HC Deb 20 December 1982 vol 34 cc346-7W
Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop

asked the Secretary of State for Employment by what date computerisation of unemployment statistics will enable his Department to distinguish between unemployment in Tiverton as opposed to Cullompton and between Crediton and Exmouth; and whether, in view of the urgent requirement for this information to enable new employment opportunities to be located to match the location of greatest need, he will expedite the computerisation of such statistics.

Mr. Waddington

For January 1983 onwards, the number (but not percentage rate) of unemployed clients will be available for areas which, like some of those mentioned, are smaller than the jobcentre area. These areas will be defined in terms of groups of post-code addresses (the post-code sector). Consultations are taking place with local authorities about the production of figures for the numbers unemployed in their districts and in smaller areas, which are of direct interest to them.