§ 2. Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied with the response of local authorities to the Manpower Services Commission's special temporary employment programme and youth opportunities programme schemes; and how many metropolitan district councils employ fewer participants than Walsall on these schemes.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Employment (Mr. John Golding)In many parts of the country the response of local authorities has been magnificent but in others it has been more patchy. The MSC is unable to provide detailed information but I must say I have been very disappointed by the response from the Walsall metropolitan borough council, compared with the substantial efforts put in by voluntary bodies and private firms in the area.
§ Mr. GeorgeIs the Minister aware that nearly 6,000 jobs have been created or preserved by the Department of Employment's various schemes? Does he share my profound sense of disappointment that of the 1,000-plus places provided by voluntary organisations and local firms under the STEP and YOP schemes, Walsall council has responded with only 12 schemes employing 16 youngsters? It not this figure despicable and deplorable?
§ Mr. GoldingI share the disappointment and regret about the opposition that has come from both Conservative and independent ratepayer councillors to the schemes in Walsall.