§ Mr. Colvinasked the Paymaster General what information he has on workfare schemes for the unemployed in operation in the United States of America; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LangThere is a great variety of schemes in operation in the United States of America which come under the general heading of "workfare". They have in common the aim of enabling recipients of welfare benefits to do useful work in return for their benefit. But the schemes vary considerably, in their target group, the way they are administered, the nature and location of the work performed, and the amount of training and support services provided. Most schemes are still at an early or experimental stage, and cover only a proportion of welfare recipients. The Department will continue to study the American experience of workfare schemes to see whether they could have any application in this country.