§ Mr. Steen (Liverpool, Wavertree)asked the Secretary of State for Employment, how many special programmes for the unemployed are currently being administered by the Manpower Services Commission; if he will name each programme; how much public money is detailed for the operation of each in 1979–80 and 1980–81; and how many public officials are employed by the Manpower Services Commission to administer each programme.
§ Mr. Jim Lester[pursuant to his reply, 20 June 1980, c. 374]. I am informed by 14W the Manpower Services Commission that it currently administers two special programmes for the unemployed; the special temporary employment programmes (STEP) for long-term unemployed adults in certain designated parts of Great Britain and the youth opportunities programme (YOP) for unemployed young people aged under 19.
The figures relating to expenditure on these programmes are:
£ million 1979–80 Expenditure 1980–81 Budget STEP 51.8 56.0 YOP 123.9 182.5 On 1 April 1980 a total of 1,250 staff was engaged in the administration of the programmes. Information on the exact division of staff between the two programmes is available only at disproportionate cost. Although the majority administer YOP, some staff work on both programmes and a detailed survey would be required to yield an accurate breakdown.