§ Mr. RowlandsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what is his estimate of the real level of unemployment in(a) Merthyr Tydfil and Ryhmney and (b) Wales; [1231]
(2) if he will assess the findings contained in the report, "The Real Level of Unemployment", by the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam university, a copy of which has been sent to him; and if he will make a statement. [1234]
§ Mr. HainThe Office for National Statistics is currently conducting a public consultation on labour market statistics. I welcome this review because I am 127W extremely concerned at the high levels of joblessness in Wales not measured by the claimant count. I will write to my hon. Friend when the review is concluded.