HC Deb 26 May 1971 vol 818 cc179-80W
Dr. Vaughan

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what changes he proposes to make in the administration of the Employment Voucher Scheme.

Mr. Bryan

As announced by the Home Secretary today, the Government have decided to take steps to reduce the annual rate of admission of employment voucher holders from the Commonwealth from 4,000 to about 2,000. The new arrangements will come into effect on 1st June.

The maximum rate at which vouchers may be issued will be reduced from 8,500 to 2,700 a year. This will include special allocations of 600 vouchers for Malta, compared with 1,000 at present, and 400 vouchers for the dependent territories, compared with 600 at present, of which no more than 50 per cent. may go to any one territory. These special allocations may be taken up in either Category A or Category B.

and if he will now make its facilities available for local authority use.

Mr. Lambton

I have nothing to add to the Answer which I gave to a Question by the hon. Member on 15th March.