HC Deb 12 July 1977 vol 935 cc213-5
11. Mr. Hal Miller

asked the Secretary of State for Employment by how many the numbers of unemployed have reduced as a result of the job creation programme.

Mr. Golding

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that it is estimated that job creation programme projects are currently providing approximately 40,000 jobs for people who would otherwise have been unemployed. It is estimated that about 115,000 unemployed people have so far been helped and that by the end of the programme this figure will have risen to 190,000.

Mr. Miller

Does the Under-Secretary of State accept that the job creation programme is creating non-jobs and is seen as a cynical attempt to disguise the level of unemployment? When will the Government get down to providing the permanent training and education that these people need?

Mr. Golding

Having visited many of the towns in Great Britain and having talked to many of the youngsters who are involved in the programme I have found that they think it is very valuable. It has been a great help as an alternative to unemployment. The Government have put forward proposals for a comprehensive youth opportunities scheme. We look forward to improvements. We believe the job creation programme to be of value.

Mr. Loyden

I accept what the Minister said about job creation schemes and our experience of them, but does he agree that consideration should be given to innovation? Will he consider responding to the paper submitted by the Liverpool Economic Development Unit, which has approached the Department about changes in the attitude towards job creation?

Mr. Golding

Yes. Following representations from Liverpool we have agreed that more than 12 months should be allowed for areas such as Liverpool. We have also agreed that there should be training workshops.

Mr. Steen

Does the Under-Secretary agree that the monthly unemployment statistics are distorted? Are there not really over 2 million unemployed, because the job creation programme and the eight other special measures which cost about £800 million are simply siphoning off 500,000 people from the monthly unemployment statistics?

Mr. Golding

It is a question not of siphoning off but of giving useful alternatives to unemployment to young people and adults who welcome them.