HC Deb 20 January 1986 vol 90 cc20-1W
15. Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what were the total numbers registered as unemployed in Caernarfon and Wales in 1979 and 1985, respectively.

Mr. Nicholas Edwards

On 12 December 1985 the number of unemployed claimants in the Bangor and Caernarfon travel-to-work area totalled 5,261. The figure for Wales was 181,496. Comparable 1979 figures for the Bangor and Caernarfon travel-to-work areas are not available because of changes to area boundaries. The December 1979 figure for Wales was 78,476.

17. Mr. Barry Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many people are unemployed in Wales; how many were unemployed in 1979; and by how much unemployment has increased, both as a total and as a percentage.

Mr. Nicholas Edwards

On 12 December 1985 there were 181,496 unemployed claimants in Wales. The corresponding figure in December 1979 was an estimated 78,476 and the increase between the two dates is 103,020 or 131.3 per cent.