HC Deb 21 July 1975 vol 896 cc80-1W
Mr. Adam Butler

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will discuss with Community Industry the possibility of devoting part of its time and funds to providing community work projects specifically for school leavers.

Mr. John Fraser

No. Community Industry's resources are already fully committed in helping young people who left school some time ago and find it particularly difficult to settle in stable employment. Exceptionally, however, school leavers may be considered for engagement if places are available and they would otherwise be at risk of prolonged unemployment.

Mr. Adam Butler

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many work projects are currently being provided by Community Industry in Leicestershire; how many people altogether, and how many school leavers in particular, are being employed in these projects; what types of work are involved; and what funds are available for spending in Leicestershire.

Mr. John Fraser

There are no Community Industry projects in Leicestershire and the resources now available to the scheme have been fully allocated elsewhere. If as a result of the review now in progress it is decided to expand the scheme, proposals by local authorities in Leicestershire to set up teams in their areas would be for consideration in the first place by the Community Industry National Management Board.

Mr. Adam Butler

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the 20 areas in which Community Industry provides community work projects; how many jobs in total these projects are currently providing and how many it is expected they will provide during 1975–76; and what is the total allocation of funds from all sources available to them.

Mr. John Fraser

Details of the areas in which Community Industry operates and of the numbers of young people employed were given in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Luton, East (Mr. Clemitson) on 17th July.—[Vol. 895, c. 605–606.] I expect the number of employees to increase during the coming months.

My Department's present estimated expenditure on the scheme during 1975–76 is £2.8 million. There is also substantial support from the local authorities concerned in the form of use of premises, transport, equipment and materials.