§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many 18 to 24-year-olds have entered the New Deal in Shrewsbury and Atcham; what the destinations of the leavers were; and if he will make a statement. [105525]
§ Ms JowellIn the period to the end of October 1999, 299 young people started the New Deal in Shrewsbury and Atcham constituency. Of the 173 leavers, 78 found unsubsidised employment, 21 transferred to other benefits, and 20 left for other known destinations. Many of the remaining 54 who left for unknown destinations will have found jobs without telling the Employment Service. We are on target to meet our manifesto commitment of 250,000 young people into jobs and have just published a 10 point plan to build on the success of the New Deal.