§ Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the Manpower Services Commission's definition of the word "practical" in the application of community programme projects; and why it has been decided that social projects will not be renewed.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonI have asked the Manpower Services Commission to ensure that projects supported under the community programme make a significant contribution towards increasing the long term employment prospects of participants as well as creating something of practical value to the community. The Commission is considering the guidance which should be given to staff and area manpower boards to give effect to my request.
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§ Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Employment why the Government intends to cut the community programme by 15 per cent. in April 1984; and why new criteria for employment are being introduced.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonThe Community Programme will expand to reach 130,000 filled places for long term unemployed people during 1984. The budget to support these places has not been reduced. There are no plans to change the criteria determining eligibility for employment on the programme.
§ Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the approximate number of persons who will be made redundant due to the intended cut-back of the community programme in April 1984.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonThere is no intention to cut back the community programme in April 1984. As my right hon. Friend replied to my hon. Friend the Member for Eltham on 16 November — [Vol. 48, c. 481] — the programme will continue to expand to achieve a target of 130,000 filled places for the long term unemployed during 1984.