§ Mr. Paul Deanasked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the cost to date of the temporary employment subsidy; and what is his estimate of the number of jobs retained as a result.
§ Mr. GoldingI regret that it is not possible to give precise information in the form requested. As at 10th December, 155, 595 jobs have been preserved as a result of approved applications under the temporary employment subsidy scheme. The estimated gross cost in subsidy, covering future commitment on existing applications assuming 12 months payment in each case, is £143 million.