asked the Minister for Finance whether he accepts, for the purposes of economic planning, the figures of the live register as accurately giving the total number of unemployed; and, if not, by what calcuius he accordingly adjusts the live register figures.

For the purposes of economic planning, changes in the live register are a readily available approximation of changes in unemployment. The accepted method of measuring the total number of unemployed is provided by the labour force surveys. An up to date reliable estimate of the total number of unemployed will be derived from the results of the 1979 labour force survey expected early in 1981.

Would the Minister agree that when the last labour force survey was taken it showed that the number of people seeking employment, in the terms of the survey, was 10,000 fewer than the number registered at that time?

I do not know that that is the case.

Would the Minister accept from me that it is the case?

If the Deputy says so, on the basis of his integrity. I will.

Can the Minister reconcile that fact which shows the labour force survey conducted by the EEC as about 10,000 fewer than the registered figure of unemployment, with the claim made on 10 May 1977 by his colleague, the Minister for Labour——

The Deputy really is interested in history today.

——that the real figure of unemployment was 170,000 and that the register misstated the true position by 60,000?

Please, Deputy, a question.

Would the Minister reconcile it with the election release which started him on his career, on which he is about to take a further step?

A question, please, Deputy. The Deputy may not make a statement at Question Time.

I only hope that I shall not be asked to answer a question on the 1937 Constitution, as well.

The Deputies cannot make statements at Question Time. We must move on.

I hope all the details in the forthcoming document will not be as unreliable as the previous ones.