§ Mr. Craigenasked the Secretary of State for Employment what powers the Manpower Services Commission exercises in relation to the creation of permanent jobs either via the Special Programmes Division or the Disablement Resettlement Service or in other ways.
§ Mr. Jim LesterThe Manpower Services Commission does not have powers to create permanent jobs, but, under the special programme it operates for the unemployed, provides work experience and training opportunities for unemployed young people and temporary jobs for the long-term unemployed. In addition, as agent of the Secretary of State for Employment, the MSC makes capital and revenue funds available under the Disabled Persons Employment Acts, 1944 and 1958 for the provision of sheltered employment in Remploy factories and in sheltered workshops and sheltered industrial groups run by local authorities and voluntary bodies. The employment and training services operated by the commission can also assist the Government's economic, industrial and regional policies, but while they help people into permanent employment they cannot of themselves create jobs.