HC Deb 02 May 1977 vol 931 cc64-7W

Chairman

Local Authority Representatives

Employer Representatives

Trade Union Representatives

Ms. Colquhoun

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) if he will take steps to ensure that spending under the terms of the job creation programme goes equally into providing jobs for girls as well as boys, and ensure that advertising in connection with the scheme is sexually neutral;

(2) if he will ensure that publicity for job creation programme schemes make it clear that girls are equally able to apply for work under any job creation programme.

Mr. Golding

, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 29th April 1977; Vol. 930, c. 473], gave the following information:

It would not be practicable to introduce arrangements to ensure an equal allocation of spending as between girls and boys without impairing the overall efficiency of the programme. The Manpower Services Commission, however, makes continuous efforts to encourage sponsors to take account of the needs of unemployed girls and boys in formulating their proposals for projects. Many of the jobs on projects which can be approved for JCP funding seem not to be attractive to girls—eg, labouring and other manual work on environmental, building and construction projects.

Publicity material in respect of JCP does not contain any sexually discriminating references.

Ms. Colquhoun

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many jobs in the job creation programme were provided for boys and girls, respectively; how much money was spent on boys and girls respectively; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Golding

, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 29th April 1977; Vol. 930, c. 473], gave the following information:

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the information is not available in the form requested. It is not JCP policy to provide jobs specifically for boys or for girls. The results of a recent sample survey, however, showed that 76 per cent. of those in the 16–18 age group were boys and 24 per cent. were girls. Many of the girls on projects which can be approved for JCP funding seem not to be attractive to girls—eg, labouring and other manual work on environmental, building and construction projects.

Ms. Colquhoun

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many men have been appointed members of local area action committees; and how many women have been so appointed.

Mr. Golding

, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 29th April 1977; Vol. 930, c. 473], gave the following information:

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that currently there are 79 men and two women on the area action committees of the job creation programme.

Ms Colquhoun

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people have been returned to the dole queue after the 52-week embargo on job creation has expired for them; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Golding

, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 29th April 1977; Vol. 930, c. 473], gave the following information:

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the information requested is not available. I understand, however, that relatively few employees have been affected in this way to date

Ms Colquhoun

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many school leavers have obtained permanent jobs as a result of job creation programme training.

Mr. Golding

, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 29th April 1977; Vol 930, c. 473], gave the following information:

I am informed by the Manpower Ser vices Commission that the information requested is not available. However, a survey of the subsequent employment experience of JCP employees is now being undertaken and the results are expected in the summer.

Ms Colquhoun

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will amend the criteria for appointment to area action committees under the job creation programme to include women's organisations, so that women are appointed to these committees.

Mr. Golding

, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 29th April 1977; Vol. 930, c. 473], gave the following information:

At this stage of the job creation programme it is not intended that there should be any change in the composition of area action committees. However, I have asked the Manpower Services Commission to consider this possibility in formulating its proposals for a programme to follow on from JCP.