§ 13. Mr. CatonTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the First Secretary about current unemployment levels in Wales. [146533]
§ Mr. HansonMy right hon. Friend regularly meets the First Minister and I hold regular meetings with the Assembly Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, when we discuss a wide range of issues including unemployment levels in Wales. I also addressed the Wales New Deal Task Force in November on the Government's future plans for the New Deal.
Since the Government's New Deal was launched throughout Wales, there has been a 73 per cent. fall in the number of 18–24 year olds unemployed and claiming the Jobseeker's Allowance for six months or more from 6,555 in April 1998 to 1,774 in October 2000.
§ Mr. John SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the First Secretary about unemployment levels in Wales. [146521]
§ Mr. HansonMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State regularly meets the First Minister and I hold regular meetings with the Assembly Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, when we discuss a wide range of issues including employment levels in Wales.
This Government's continued firm handling of their sound economic policy has seen a significant reduction in the number of people claiming benefits in Wales, with a fall in the claimant count from 4.7 per cent. in December 1999 to 4.3 per cent. in December 2000.