§ 45. Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Employment how fast youth unemployment has increased since 1979 compared with adult unemployment.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkDirect comparisons of unemploy-ment by age since 1979 are not possible.
Between April 1979 and October 1982 the number of unemployed registrants aged under 25 increased by 189 per cent., compared with 124 per cent. for those aged 25 or over. Then between October 1982 and April 1985 the increase in unemployed claimants in the two categories was 1 per cent. and 11✶ per cent. respectively.
✶ This figure is affected by the effects of the 1983 Budget which mean that certain men aged over 60 need no longer sign on at an unemployment benefit office.