§ Mr. Timothy Smithasked the Secretary of State for Employment what effect he estimates that the changes in the way the unemployment figures are compiled, that are to be made in respect of the November figures and subsequently as a result of the introduction of voluntary registration for the unemployed, will have on the headline total.
§ Mr. Tebbit:A special press notice will be published on 18 November, comparing the main figures for October on the new and old basis, and indicating the effects of the changes in coverage and method.
From that date the monthly unemployment figures will normally be published on a Thursday, nine days later than at present, in order to take into account more up to date information relating to the day of the count.
§ Mr. Rentonasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will estimate, with regard to the September unemployment figures, how many of those registered as unemployed have lost their jobs as a result of factories and offices being closed by recent "Days of Action"; and whether he will publish similar estimates with the future monthly unemployment figures.
360W
§ Mr. Waddington:I regret that it is not possible to make quantitative estimates of the different factors causing unemployment. However, the recent so-called "Day of Action" can only have served to damage our international competitiveness ar d reputation with a consequent threat to jobs in this country.