HC Deb 21 July 1997 vol 298 cc393-4W
Mr. Rooney

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he expects to announce the pilot areas for welfare to work. [9877]

Mr. Andrew Smith

The Secretary of State will announce the pathfinder areas for the new deal for 18 to 24-year-olds shortly.

Mr. Rooney

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if public sector bodies will be eligible for the wages subsidy element of his Department's welfare-to-work proposals. [9817]

Mr. Alan Howarth

The success of the new deal will depend on effective partnerships in which all sections of local communities, including the private, public and voluntary sectors, play a full and relevant part. The precise role of the public sector in the employment option of the new deal is one of a number of issues we are currently considering. We will announce the outcome shortly.

Mr. Martyn Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will examine the potential role of horticultural training within the welfare-to-work programme; and if he will make a statement. [8486]

Mr. Howarth

In our new deal for young and long-term unemployed people, we intend to offer the widest possible range of opportunities for people to gain skills and improve their employability. Education and training will be guaranteed for all those participating in any of our four options of help. We want organisations from all sectors to join in our crusade to get people off benefits and into jobs, and I hope that the horticultural sector, like all others, will respond to this challenge. It is also possible under current arrangements to train to national vocational qualification level 2 and above in horticulture, under training for work.

Mr. Fitzpatrick

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many people in the boroughs of Newham and Tower Hamlets will benefit from the welfare-to-work initiative. [9006]

Mr. Smith

It is not possible to give an accurate estimate of the number who will benefit from the new deal over the period of its implementation. All young people who are eligible, or who become so, will be offered opportunities to participate in a job, training or useful work experience.