§ Mr. Hoyleasked the Secretary of State for Employment why he has decided not to agree to the proposal by the Manpower Services Commission to expand the community industry Scheme by 2, 000 places.
§ Mr. AlisonI did not agree to a further extension of community industry because the White Paper "A New Training Initiative: A Programme for Action" invites community industry to consider carefully where its contribution can best be made in a way that is consistent with the new arrangements proposed for helping unemployed young people.
§ Mr. Hoyleasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether, in view of the fact that the wages paid to community industry young employees has remained at the same level since 1979, he will now take steps to increase them.
§ Mr. AlisonSteps are now being taken to increase the wages paid to young employees on community industry. Details are expected to be available very soon, and I shall write to the hon. Member.