HC Deb 30 April 1990 vol 171 cc420-1W
18. Mr. Roy Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what are the latest unadjusted figures for unemployment in(a) Newport, (b) Gwent and (c) Wales; and if he will give the equivalent figures for 1979 on the most nearly comparable basis.

Mr. Peter Walker

On 9 March 1990 the number of unemployment claimants in the Newport district, Gwent and Wales was 4,636, 13,722 and 86,638 respectively. Unadjusted figures for 1979 are not available on a basis that enables a valid comparison to be made. Since the last general election unemployment in Newport district, Gwent and Wales has fallen by 49.2 per cent., 47.4 per cent. and 45.1 per cent. respectively.