§ Mr. Gordon Brownasked the Paymaster General how he calculates the regional figures for the net changes in the numbers of self-employed since December 1982.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkEstimates of self-employment, both national and regional, are obtained from the Censuses of Population, the latest of which was held in 1981, updated to June 1983 and June 1984 by applying proportionate changes as estimated from labour force surveys. Estimates for periods between June 1981 and June 1984 are derived by interpolating between the estimates for June 1981, June 1983 and June 1984. Provisional estimates for dates since June 1984, which will be reviewed when the 1985 labour force survey data become available next year, incorporate the assumption that the average rate of change between 1981 and 1984 is continuing.
Estimated net changes in the numbers of self-employed since December 1982 are calculated by subtracting estimates for that date from those for the later date specified.