asked the Minister of Labour whether he will revise the monthly statistics issued by his Department so as to show all vacancies for technicians and other skilled craftsmen in each area and the average weekly earnings of such technicians and craftsmen in employment in each area.

No, Sir. To provide monthly occupational data for unfilled vacancies and average weekly earnings for local areas would involve an undue expenditure of public funds.

As the figures which are published relate only to vacancies reported from the employment exchanges and there is considerable evidence that there are numbers of vacancies not so reported, will the hon. Gentleman consider undertaking some form of statistical sample in order to try to produce figures on a more accurate and meaningful basis?

I cannot give a specific undertaking to the hon. Gentleman, but I shall certainly look into the matter.