§ Mr.Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Employment how much money his Department has allocated towards community programmes in Wales in the current year: what was the corresponding figure for the last year; and whether any scheme under the programmes will have to be abandoned because of lack of financial resources from his Department.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkThe financial allocation for the community programme in Great Britain in the current year is £387.8 million, including the additional £10 million announced on 16 November, which is to be made available, subject to parliamentary approval of the necessary Supplementary Estimate (separate figures for Wales are not available). Expenditure on the community programme and its predecessor the community enterprise programme in 1982–83 was £160.4 million. As my right hon. Friend announced on 16 November—[Vol. 48, c.481–2]—the Manpower Services Commission will have to control carefully the filling of places in what remains of this financial year in order to remain within the revised cash limit. This means that approval of new projects has been suspended for the time being. Projects already approved may have their start delayed or may be restricted in size. The position will be reviewed early next year.