§ 2. Mr. Haselhurstasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he is satisfied with the Manpower Services Commission's policy regarding the establishment of new jobcentres.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Employment (Mr. Jim Lester)I am generally satisfied with the MSC's policy on the establishment of new jobcentres. I have asked the MSC to be cost-effective in implementing the jobcentre programme. The programme will, of course, have to be carried out within the reduced resources available to the commission.
§ Mr. HaselhurstIs my hon. Friend aware that I am extremely satisfied with the way in which he has dealt with the example that I gave him from my constituency? Does he agree that the Manpower Services Commission would be better advised to direct its resources towards valid training schemes for unemployed youngsters than outrageously 214 overbidding to obtain more prestigious premises for its operations?
§ Mr. LesterI agree with my hon. Friend's last remark, but, in fairness to the situation in his constituency, I must say that the conditions are particularly difficult. The Manpower Services Commission is trying to operate from a room in a library, which is hardly the correct way for employment policies to be carried out. Jobcentres are helpful in terms of training, because they act as focal points for all employment services.
§ Mr. PavittIn the light of the figures given by the Secretary of State, and the obstinacy of the Prime Minister, will the Under-Secretary of State now do a U-turn on the two sections of the MSC that are biting badly in my constituency, namely, the elimination and cutback of STEP and the cessation of the experimental scheme, which has taken place with 70 officers of the MSC being pulled out of that interesting scheme to provide more jobs for young school leavers?
§ Mr. LesterI do not know whether that follows from this question, but I do not want it to be felt that I am dodging it. We have concentrated STEP in areas of highest unemployment, and it is carrying more unemployed people now that it did before.
§ Mr. Barry JonesDoes the Minister accept that the MSC can at times be tardy in the provision of jobcentres? For example, does he know that in the sizeable towns of Buckley and Flint in my constituency, areas that are hard pressed by the steel closures and where literally thousands of people are seeking jobs, there are no jobcentres? Will he provoke the MSC into speedy action?
§ Mr. LesterThe MSC's proposals for the next 12 months are to continue to open jobcentres. I am sure that those areas will have a high priority in its programme. One difficulty is getting suitable premises at the right time.