HC Deb 12 January 1989 vol 144 cc741-2W
21. Mr. Tim Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about unemployment in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Viggers

The past two years have seen a significant reduction in unemployment in Northern Ireland. By November 1988, the latest date for which unemployment figures are available, seasonally adjusted unemployment had fallen in 21 of the last 25 months. The Government welcome the improvements that have occurred and continue to give a high priority to reducing the level of unemployment.