§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many young people will be employed to carry out the census on Merseyside under the job creation programme.
§ Mr. GoldingI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the 97W grant to the project is on the basis of 70 people being employed for the duration of the project. The numbers employed vary according to the requirements of the work: at present over 80 people are employed. Most are in the age range 18–23 and all but one are below 26.
§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for Employment in what ways the results of the census carried out on Merseyside under the job creation programme will help the Merseyside County Council plan its services; and to which department of the county council the results are to be sent.
§ Mr. GoldingI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the results of the survey will be particularly helpful to the county council in planning its transport provisons and its longer-term strategic functions, and to the five district councils on Merseyside, in planning the housing, education and social services. All departments of the county and district councils will have access to the results, though these will be in statistical form only, and information of individuals will be kept very strictly confidential.
§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for Employment who will be asked the questions in the census carried out on Merseyside under the job creation programme; how many questions are contained in it; how many census forms are being published and at what cost; and what process is envisaged for marshalling the information obtained.
§ Mr. GoldingI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the survey covers a 10 per cent. sample of households in Merseyside. The head of each household in the sample is asked to complete a form containing 18 questions. 55,000 forms have been printed at a cost of around £500. The information collected will be coded by people employed under the job creation programme, for processing by computer.
§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he is satisfied with the professional competence and experience of those carrying out the census on Merseyside under the job creation programme; 98W and if he will list the qualifications of those supervising it.
§ Mr. GoldingI will reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.