§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Sectary of State for Employment whether he intends to continue the short-time working scheme; and what representations he has received about this scheme.
§ Mr. Jim LesterA decision about the future of the temporary short-time working compensation scheme will be made as part of the annual review of the special employment and training measures, which has not yet been completed. My right hon. Friend hopes to make an announcement about the scheme shortly. Eight representations have been received asking for the scheme to be extended and one suggesting that it should not be renewed at the end of March 1980.