§ Mr. Sheermanasked the Paymaster General how much expenditure there has been on the training element for recipients of enterprise allowances since the scheme's inception.
§ Mr. LangApplicants for the enterprise allowance scheme are encouraged to take advantage of the training available through the Manpower Service's Commission training for enterprise programme and the counselling services of the small firms service. However funds are not separately allocated for EAS applicants to undertake training.
§ Mr. Sheermanasked the Paymaster General how much money is allocated for the training provision for recipients of enterprise allowance in 1986–87.
§ Mr. LangPeople on the enterprise allowance scheme can take advantage of both public and private sector training including the provision made available through the Manpower Services Commission's training for enterprise programme. In addition the commission has introduced a revised system of induction and follow up of enterprise allowance participants. This new system will include a one day self employment awareness session to replace the present two hour information session attended by all applicants to the scheme. One of the main purposes of the revised system is to highlight the importance of enterprise training and its benefits to the participants' businesses as well as providing an introduction to basic business concepts. Follow up monitoring by MSC staff will be enhanced to reinforce the emphasis on training and business counselling for participants. A total of £1.8 million has been provided in 1986–87 specifically to fund these enhanced arrangements.