HC Deb 20 May 1986 vol 98 cc151-2W
37. Mr. Roy Hughes

asked the Paymaster General if he is satisfied with the arrangements for counting the number of people out of work.

Mr. Lang

I am satisfied that the monthly unemployment count is an accurate record of those claiming benefits. Less frequent estimates of those without jobs seeking work are available from surveys. Preliminary results of the labour force survey conducted in spring 1985 showed some 1,080,000 people included in the monthly count who either had a job or were not seeking work, while 760,000 people without jobs and seeking work were excluded from the claimant total.

38. Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Paymaster General how many changes have been made since 1979 in the way in which the unemployment figures are counted.

Mr. Lang

Since 1979 there have been six changes which have had a discernible effect on the unemployment count, and three of these have been minor.