HC Deb 18 May 1990 vol 172 c571W
Mr. Leighton

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the rate of gross domestic product growth since 1983 in(a) European monetary system countries and (b) the United Kingdom.

Mr. Ryder

Since 1983 United Kingdom gross domestic product at constant prices has grown at an average annual rate of 3.4 per cent. compared with an average of 2.8 per cent. for present members of the exchange rate mechanism of the European monetary system.

Mr. Leighton

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the percentage level of unemployment in France at the inception of the European monetary system; and what is it now.

Mr. Ryder

On OECD standardised definitions French unemployment was 5.7 per cent. in March 1979 and 9.4 per cent. in March 1990.