HC Deb 29 January 1998 vol 305 c366W
19. Mr. Hutton

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the progress of the new deal pathfinder in Barrow and Furness. [24200]

Mr. Andrew Smith

It is, of course, early days for this ambitious undertaking, but I am encouraged by the impressive start to New Deal Pathfinders including the one in Cumbria. In the first three weeks, 3,000 young people have had Gateway interviews including 166 in Cumbria. The response from young people and employers alike has been extremely positive and over 440 employer agreements have been signed in the Pathfinder Districts.

34. Mr. Rammell

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the progress of the New Deal in Pathfinder areas. [24216]

Mr. Blunkett

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier to my hon. Friend the Member for Lancaster and Wyre (Mr. Dawson).

Ms Atherton

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what stage preparations have reached for the private sector-led New Deal Pathfinder areas. [24187]

Mr. Andrew Smith

Private sector lead organisations have been selected for each area. Detailed delivery arrangements are now being developed in discussion with local partners, including the Employment Service. New Deal delivery will commence shortly in both of the localities involved.