HC Deb 02 May 1991 vol 190 c328W
22. Mr. Beggs

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on employment trends in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Needham

At June 1990 the estimated number of persons in employment in Northern Ireland—including the self-employed—stood at 605,400, which is some 7,000 higher than the previous peak level in 1979. Annual estimates also show that the level of employment has increased consistently since June 1983. Between June 1983 and June 1990 employment in Northern Ireland grew by almost 51,000–9.2 per cent.—mainly due to an increase in employment in private sector services and self-employment.