HC Deb 03 July 1984 vol 63 c137W
Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many employees in his Department are currently taking part in job-share schemes.

Mr. John Patten

456.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many vacancies in his Department have been filled through the job release scheme in each of the last three years for which figures are available.

Mr. Newton

The number of staff recruited under the job release scheme in the last three years is as follows:

Number
1981 926
1982 NONE
1983 59

The Department could not operate the scheme in 1982 because it was reducing staff numbers rapidly and undertaking little recruitment.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many employees in his Department are currently allowed day release facilities or other assistance to encourage them to continue their education.

Mr. John Patten

During the financial year 1983–84 (the latest period for which figures are available) 1,636 employees received day release facilities or assistance with evening classes; a further 478 undertook Open University courses.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the total cost to his Department of assistance given to employees to encourage them to continue their education in each of the last three years for which figures are available.

Mr. John Patten

The information requested is as follows:

Financial year *Cost of assistance £
1981–82 110,000
1982–83 112,000
1983–84 105,000
* Excludes employees' salaries and travel and subsistence costs.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether any of those working in his Department are young people on the youth training scheme.

Mr. John Patten

No.