§ Mr. Keith SimpsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many New Deal candidates have taken up appointments in his Department; what percentage they are of his Department's civilian workforce; and what their appointments are. [65626]
§ Mr. SpellarAs at 1 July 1999, the MOD has employed 15 people on short-term and three people on permanent appointments from the New Deal initiative, representing less than 1 per cent. of the civilian workforce. There are currently 17 New Deal candidates in post, a further four awaiting pre-employment checks and the Employment Services are attempting to fill another 37 posts identified as suitable for New Deal candidates.