§ Mr. WatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what are his Department's latest estimates of the cost of providing employment, training and education opportunities for 18 to 24-year-olds who have been unemployed for six months or more. [32886]
§ Mr. Andrew SmithThe New Deal will provide employment, training and education opportunities for 18 to 24 year olds who have been unemployed for six months or more. The latest estimate of the cost to the Department for Education and Employment of the New Deal for Young People during this Parliament is £2.7 billion. The actual cost will depend upon the level of unemployment and experience of running the New Deal.