§ Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Secretary of State for Wales by what percentage unemployment in Wales has increased among school leavers during the past year; what were the corresponding figures for the past five years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsBetween February 1983 and February 1984 numbers of unemployed school leavers in Wales decreased by 1,262 from 7,109 to 5,847, or by 17.7 per cent. The figures for the past five years are as follows:
February (all years) Number Per cent. 1978 2,920 — 1979 2,369 -18.9 1980 2,202 -7.0 1981 4,555 +106.9 1982 7,066 +55.1 1983 7,109 +0.6