Written question asked by Calum Macdonald (Labour) on Monday, 7 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 15 March 2005. It was answered by Anne McGuire (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 March 2005 on behalf of the Scotland Office.

Scotland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will make a statement on the unemployment rate in the Highlands and Islands since 1997. (Failed OPQ)

Answer: Mr. MacDonald: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the unemployment rate in the highlands and islands since 1997. [221062] Mrs. McGuire: The claimant count unemployment rate for the Highlands and Islands fell from 6.2 per cent. in 1997 to 2.9 per cent. in 2004, below the Scottish average of 3.5 per cent., and there are around 6,400 fewer people in the area claiming unemployment-related benefits compared to 1997. This demonstrates the success of the Government's strategy of making work pay in every region through initiatives such as new deal, the national minimum wage and working tax credits.

Secondary information