§ 24. Mr. Goldingasked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the employment consequences of the reduction in the Manpower Services Commission's budget.
§ Mr. Jim LesterThe reduction in the Manpower Services Commission's expenditure in 1979–80 did not affect the number of opportunities for unemployed young people under the youth opportunities programme. The target for places under the special temporary employment programme was reduced from 30,000–35,000 to 12,000–14,000 by concentrating the scheme on the areas of greatest need.108W For future years the Commission has yet to decide on the development of its programmes in the light of the expenditure and staff resources available.
§ 28. Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Employment what the gross expenditure will be of the Manpower Services Commission in 1980–81; and how this compares in real terms with the 1979–80 estimated outturn.
§ Mr. Jim LesterI am informed that the Manpower Services Commission has still to consider its 1980–81 estimate. When it does it will take account of the provision in the White Paper "The Government Expenditure Plan 1980–81" (Cmnd. 7746)for holding the expenditure in that year to broadly the reduced level for 1979–80, modified as necessary following the Government's announcement about reductions in Civil Service manpower.
§ 55. Mr. Christopher Priceasked the Secretary of State for Employment when he last met the chairman of the Manpower Services Commission.
§ Mr. Jim LesterMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State met the chairman of the MSC on 27 November 1979.