§ 17. Mr. Hicksasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he has any proposals to extend the provisions of the community programme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonThe community programme has now reached its target for providing 130,000 jobs for long-term unemployed people. We will continue to review its operation and make whatever changes are necessary.
§ 21. Mr. Gareth Wardellasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will include private street works in the eligibility criteria for the Manpower Services Commission's community programme.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonAll proposals to fund community programme projects are considered in the light of guidance482W about priorities for selection, the number of places available in each area and the local needs of long-term unemployed people. Projects must provide practical benefits for the community and involve work which would not otherwise be done, but there is no specific restriction preventing private street works.
§ 47. Mr. Lewis Stevensasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people are currently employed under the community programme.
§ 63. Mr. Roweasked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the total number of adults al present on the community programme.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonOn 14 December, the latest date for which figures are available, 130,027 people were in jobs funded under the community programme. All were aged 18 or over.
§ 67. Mr. Prescottasked the Secretary of State for Employment what further representations he has received about the recently announced changes in the community programme.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonDuring the six months since my right hon. Friend announced the changes to the community programme, on 30 July 1984 at cols.121–2, we have received some 350 letters. I have also met Lady Platt, Chairman of the Equal Opportunities Commission.