HC Deb 22 February 2000 vol 344 c858W
20. Mr. David Marshall

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the operation of the New Deal in Scotland. [109630]

Mr. Wilson

I am very pleased to say that the operation of New Deal in Scotland is proving very successful. We have reached the significant milestones of 20,000 young people now having gained jobs through the programme in Scotland, and the 10,000th employer signing up to participate in the programme.

The latest published figures provide further hard evidence of the significant impact the New Deal is having in Scotland. Over 43,000 young people have benefited from the New Deal. By the end of November 1999, a total of 28,000 young people had entered jobs, work experience or training.