§ 12. Mr. Campbell-Savoursasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will take steps to further reinforce the activities of the Manpower Services Commission in west Cumbria.
§ Mr. WaddingtonMy right hon. Friend is at present considering the Manpower Services Commission's corporate plan 1981–85, which envisages some reduction nationally in the employment and training services.
It is expected that in Cumbria as a whole there will be about 50 per cent. more entrants to the youth opportunities programme in 1981–82 than in 1980–81, and this will involve an expansion of provision in west Cumbria. For 1981–82 a target of 230 filled places has been set for the new community enterprise programme in Cumbria as a whole. It is not possible to say how many of these places will be in west Cumbria, but last month in west Cumbria there were 166 filled places under the special temporary employment programme.
§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursIs not the best way of reinforcing the MSC's operations to increase its £400 material allowance, particularly as that will help local authorities to set up special manpower units and get people back to work? Will the Minister also consider the MSC's provision of money for transport to the same local authorities?
§ Mr. WaddingtonObviously, we shall look into these matters. The hon. Gentleman will be aware that it is a question of priorities. Increasing sums of money are being spent on the special programmes. One must bear in mind what, in the circumstances, is practical.
§ Dr. HampsonDoes my hon. and learned Friend agree that when area, district level, and special programme organisations are taken into account, the MSC is too big, and too bureaucratic at all levels—including the local level—and should be slimmed down and streamlined?
§ Mr. WaddingtonI am well aware of that view. The office in Preston is being closed, which shows some evidence of a gradual reduction in the amount of bureaucracy. I do not dissent from my hon. Friend's view, namely, that much more probably needs to be done.