§ Mr. Thurnhamasked the Paymaster General what are the objectives of his Department's policy on the long-term unemployed; how he is monitoring its effectiveness; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LangI refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to him by my hon. Friend on 21 January at column118. In addition, my right hon. and learned Friend announced on 12 November 1985 that the Manpower Services Commission had been asked to test two new measures to help the long-term unemployed in their search for jobs. These measures, operating since January in nine pilot areas, consist of in-depth counselling interviews at jobcentres, and a net job start allowance of £20 per week 408W for those taking jobs earning less that £80 per week. The pilots are being carefully monitored to establish whether they should be extended more widely.