§ Mr. Willie W. Hamiltonasked the Paymaster General if he will publish in the Official Report tables showing the date and nature of each change made since 1979 in the method of calculating total unemployment statistics, showing the effect of each change in each region in the subsequent monthly figure.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWe have made only three changes in the method of calculating unemployment statistics since 1979. The major one follows the decision in October 1982 to cease compulsory registration at jobcentres. The previous count of registrants at jobcentres became incomplete and it was necessary to move counting claimants at unemployment benefit offices. We have also delayed the compilation of the figures to correct over-recording, and made a minor change in Northern Ireland again because of over-recording. There have also been several administrative changes which have inevitably affected the coverage of the count. Only three have been significant.
The following are the average monthly affects of each change in method of calculation at the time they occurred in each region:
Number 1980 226 1981 257 1982 255 1983 210 1984 214 1985 288
Mr. John Mark Taylorasked the Paymaster General if he will ensure that the new gas supply company will continue to be responsible for funding the training of installers and the provision of a competent installation service through the successor organisation to the Confederation of Registered Gas Installers.
§ Mr. TrippierThe Government have asked the Health and Safety Commission and the Council of the Confederation of Registered Gas Installers to develop proposals for a new, independent and representative body to promote safety in gas installation. These proposals, which will include funding, are awaited.