§ Mr. Bernie GrantTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to improve the collection of statistics relating to unemployment in respect of black and other ethnic minority communities. [33602]
§ Mrs. Angela KnightThe collection and publication of unemployment and other labour market statistics relating to black and other ethnic minority groups were improved in 1992 with the introduction of the quarterly labour force survey. To obtain reliable figures for smaller sub-groups of the population surveyed, such as ethnic minority groups, the Office for National Statistics averages the data over several quarters. The ONS published a description of the methodology used and statistics produced in the June 1996 issue of "Labour Market Trends". ONS will publish further guidance for users in the autumn.