§ Mr. Maddenasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many applications for temporary employment subsidy are pending, subject to an extension of the scheme, after 31st March; what estimates of future take-up exist; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Golding,pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 2nd February 1978; Vol. 943, c. 286–87], gave the following information:
On 2nd February there were 886 applications for TES awaiting a decision, and because, under the present scheme, applications may be made up to and including 31st March, these will be dealt with in the normal way. I am unable to give an estimate of future take-up of TES beyond 31st March until present discussions with the EEC have been concluded. However, we expect the scheme to be extended beyond 31st March.