HC Deb 10 January 1990 vol 164 cc667-8W
Mr. Butler

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the current rate of unemployment in the United Kingdom; and what is the current European Community average.

Mr. Nicholls

In October 1989, the latest available date, the rate of unemployment in the United Kingdom was 6.2 per cent. compared with an EEC average of 9.1 per cent. Over the past two years the unemployment rate in the United Kingdom has fallen faster than in any other major industrialised country.

Mr. Hind

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the fall in unemployment since June 1986.

Mr. Nicholls

Since June 1986 unemployment, seasonally adjusted, in the United Kingdom has fallen by 1,480,500. Unemployment has now fallen for 40 consecutive months to the lowest level for over nine years.

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