HC Deb 02 June 1997 vol 295 cc92-3W
Mr. Roy Beggs

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to review the methods by which the numbers unemployed in the United Kingdom are quantified. [1431]

Mrs. Liddell

The Director of the Office for National Statistics is responsible for deciding the form, coverage and timing of release of statistics issued by his Office, taking into account the views of customers. ONS is presently consulting customers on the future presentation of labour market statistics; the consultation exercises was launched through an article in the Labour Market Trends published on 8 May. Comments on the proposals should be sent to ONS by 14 June.

The proposals set out for consultation reflect the House of Commons Employment Select Committee recommendation that more prominence should be given to the measure of unemployment which is based on the internationally agreed ILO definition.