§ Lord ROCHESTERasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their estimate of the net cost per person per week of employing young people in Community Industry, taking into account the savings in unemployment and other benefits.
The Earl of GOWRIEI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the estimated net cost to central Government of employing a young person on Community Industry in 1979–80 was £19 per week. Taking into account expenditure714WA on the scheme by local authorities, who provide accommodation, transport, tools and equipment, the estimated net cost per place was £22 per week. Net costs take account of the benefits participants would otherwise have claimed, and other tax and national insurance effects.
The net costs quoted do not take account of the costs of materials on the scheme, which since September 1979 have been met in full by sponsors. Nor do the net costs include Community Industry's administration costs.