§ 21. Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assistance New Deal participants aged over 25 years and unemployed for more than two years will receive during the period before their six month placement begins. [24202]
§ Mr. Andrew SmithMy right hon. Friend and I are currently considering arrangements to ensure that long term unemployed people receive help to prepare for the New Deal. We will announce details as soon as possible.
§ 22. Dr. BrandTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many people aged between 18 and 24 years and unemployed for over six months, will benefit from the new deal. [24203]
§ Mr. Andrew SmithIt is not possible to provide precise estimates of the total numbers of young people who will require help from the New Deal. We will offer help to every 18 to 24-year-old who becomes eligible for the New Deal, and sufficient places will be available to meet this commitment. In October 1997, just over 120,000 18 to 24-year-olds had been claimant unemployed for six months or more; every month about 15,000 to 20,000 young people reach six months' unemployment.