§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what proposals he has regarding(a) grant levels, (b) Government procurement policies and (c) employment service policies to support the new Remploy 21 proposals. [117604]
§ Ms HodgeThere are no plans to increase Remploy's grant at present. However, Remploy has received an additional £1.5 million, both this year and last, to modernise its factories and to improve progressions to mainstream employment, and a similar amount will be available in 2001–02.
If Remploy wishes to ask for further money to support the implementation of Remploy 21 then I will consider its request.
The Government cannot change their procurement policies, which comply with EC regulations. Remploy 21 is an internal plan for the strategic development of the Company. The Employment Service is working closely with Remploy to deliver the Remploy 21 strategy.