§ 50. Mr. Collinsasked the Minister of Labour if he will announce his proposals for the provision of moneys to cover the annual loss which it is estimated will be incurred by Remploy over the next five years and also for capital expenditure.
§ Mr. CarrAs I told the House on 21st March last, it has been arranged that over the next five years Remploy will be able to work within an average of £200,000 per year for capital expenditure and up to £2½ million per year for running expenses. It is the aim of Remploy to reduce the average loss per head to the level of the average wage from time to time.
Within the terms of this understanding, and in consultation each year with Remploy, provision will be made in the Estimates of my Department for the amounts estimated to be required. For the current financial year £237,500 is provided for capital expenditure and £2½ million for running expenses.
§ Mr. CollinsIn addition to that very satisfactory Answer, can the Minister say whether, in respect of maintenance expenditure, Remploy will be able to carry over any unspent sums from one year to another? Will he ask his right hon. Friend to consider the possibility of 586 giving Remploy a notional credit for any trainees who are able to be transferred each year into open industry?
§ Mr. CarrWith regard to the latter part of the hon. Member's suggestion—which is a new one—without giving any undertaking at all, I can say that we will certainly consider it. With regard to the first part, in order to enable me to give an accurate answer about maintenance—which is difficult to distinguish and put in an appropriate category—perhaps the hon. Gentleman would put down a special Question about it.