Yes, and I am also aware that the preliminary results of the 1991 labour force survey show that employment in services and industry combined rose by 7,000 between April 1990 and April 1991.
The available evidence since last April is limited, but would not imply the trend suggested by the Deputy. CSO data show that there was an increase in manufacturing employment in the second quarter of the year as compared with the first quarter, and that employment in larger building and construction firms has been somewhat above its April level since then. In the 11 months to end-November receipts from the employment and training levy and PAYE increased by 7 per cent and almost 8 per cent respectively, as compared with the same period in 1990. While factors other than employment influence the trend of these receipts, the trend nevertheless supports the view that employment has been holding up well this year.
The 1991 labour force survey results do not indicate any failure of Government economic policy. Instead, they show that employment in the non-agricultural private sector rose marginally despite the extremely difficult international situation, reflecting the competitiveness of the economy. This competitive strength is a direct result of this Government's and its predecessor's economic policies. These policies have enhanced the potential of the economy to generate employment, a potential which is clearly shown by the increase of 36,000 in total employment between April 1989 and April 1990.
