§ Mr. Woolmerasked the Secretary of State for Employment when the present short-time working scheme expires; and if he intends to renew it.
§ Mr. Jim LesterThe temporary short-time working compensation scheme is due to close for applications on 31 March 1980. A decision about the future of the scheme will be made as part of the normal annual review of the special employment and training measures, which is now in progress. Decisions will be announced as soon as possible before 31 March 1980.