HC Deb 05 June 1984 vol 61 cc153-4W
18. Mr. Bell

asked the Secretary of State for Employment when he expects the announcement of the decision to include a training component in the community scheme.

Mr. Peter Morrison

A decision will be announced once my ministerial colleagues and I have considered the report of the Manpower Services Commission survey of the community programme, which I hope to receive shortly.

36. Mr. Campbell-Savours

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will review demand for and the operation of, the community programme in the county of Cumbria.

Mr. Peter Morrison

We have no plans to change the current arrangements for the operation of the programme in Cumbria. Of 1,565 places approved by the Manpower Services Commission, 1,259 were filled at the end of April.

20. Mr. Lawler

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has received regarding the proposed change in the regional allocation of community programme places.

Mr. Peter Morrison

Since my statement on 26 March, at column 29, about the regional allocation of places on the community programme we have received some 50 representations about the availability of places for particular projects or in particular localities. However, none has questioned our policy that every long-term unemployed person should have an equal opportunity of a place on the programme, irrespective of where he or she lives.