HC Deb 08 June 1982 vol 25 c43W
Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many persons had been unemployed for over one year on (a) Merseyside and (b) in the Liverpool travel-to-work area at the latest date.

Mr. Alison

At 15 April, the numbers of people who had been registered as unemployed for over 52 weeks in the Merseyside special development area and the Liverpool travel-to-work area were 55,599 and 40,348, respectively.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the latest unemployment figures for Merseyside and Liverpool, respectively.

Mr. Waddington

At May 1982 the provisional number registered as unemployed in the Merseyside special development area was 128,574, and in the Liverpool travel-to-work area the figure was 87,870. The figures include school leavers and are not seasonally adjusted.

I refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's reply of 6 May—[Vol. 23, c. 131]—which described not only the Government's extensive programme of assistance to the Merseyside area but also their firm intention to pursue policies aimed at developing a soundly based economy which will form a firm foundation for improved employment prospects both in Merseyside and throughout the country.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the estimated number of school leavers seeking employment (a) on Merseyside and (b) in Liverpool following the present current term holiday.

Mr. Peter Morrison

The latest unemployment figures at present available are for 13 May. At that date the numbers of young people under 18 years of age registered as unemployed who had not been in employment since leaving full-time education were 5,556 in the Merseyside special development area and 3,925 in the Liverpool travel-to-work area. Figures for subsequent months will include those registering at the end of the summer term.