§ Mr. LeightonTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was the percentage increase in unemployment in each of the EC countries over the last 12 months.
Mr. JacksonThe table gives the percentage point change over the latest 12 months in the internationally comparable unemployment rates for EC countries, as produced by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Where such rates are not available, harmonised rates produced by the Statistical Office of the European Communities are given.
Percentage point change in unemployment rates over the latest 12 months in EC countries Standardised unemployment rates seasonally adjusted Percentage point change Latest month United Kingdom 3.2 September Ireland 2.4 September Denmark1 0.9 September France 0.7 August Belgium 0.5 September Luxembourg1 0.4 September Italy 0.3 April