HC Deb 07 May 1985 vol 78 cc615-6
10. Mr. Knox

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people are in community programme places in Staffordshire.

Mr. Peter Morrison

On 29 March, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 2,550 people working on the community programme in Staffordshire.

Mr. Knox

Does my hon. Friend agree that although community programme places are very welcome, they are no substitute for real jobs? When does he expect an upsurge of real jobs in Staffordshire?

Mr. Morrison

I am glad that my hon. Friend believes that the community programme is worth while, and I am sure that he welcomes the near doubling of the number of places to be made available in Staffordshire. He will also be aware that about 100,000 people were placed in jobs in Staffordshire during the past year. That is an increase of 8 per cent., which cannot be bad.