§ Mr. Tony ClarkeTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what use will be made of local partnerships under his Department's new deal proposals for providing employment for young people. [8679]
§ Mr. Andrew SmithThe Employment Service, working closely with the Government and the Scottish and Welsh Offices, will act as the lead agency in the delivery of new deal. This will be done in partnership with other agencies and organisations—including employers, local authorities, training and enterprise councils, career service, further education bodies, voluntary and environmental organisations, and others.
Bringing together the knowledge, services and initiative of all those who can play a part will be an important factor in delivering the new deal for unemployed people.
During the next few months, we shall be building on existing local partnerships where feasible, or establishing new ones where necessary. These partnerships will help ES in planning the nature, volume and delivery arrangements for new deal in each location.
§ Mrs. GormanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if the employment option in the new deal will require minimum pay and conditions from employers who agree to take part. [8209]
§ Mr. SmithThe design of the new deal will be developed alongside the Government's other employment policies, so that the benefits of all are maximised.