To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people were unemployed and claiming benefit in Carlisle on (a) 1 April 1997 and (b) 1 April 2007; and if he will make a statement. (143216)

In April 1997 there were 3,060 jobseeker’s allowance claimants in the Carlisle local authority area, and in April 2007 there were 1,240.

Notes:

1 .Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.

2. Figures are taken from the 2^nd Thursday of each month.

Source:

Count of unemployment-benefits, Jobcentre Plus computer systems (including clerically held cases).