§ Mr. Maxwell-Hyslopasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many more places for enterprise allowance applicants in Devon will be available in the expanded programme; and how he expects this to shorten the existing waiting list.
§ Mr. Allan ClarkAs I stated in my reply of 1 May to my hon. Friend the Member for Harlow (Mr. Hayes) at column 65, the take-on to the enterprise allowance scheme is being increased from just over 600 a week to around 1,000 a week up to the end of July. In the south-west region this will mean that around 370 extra places above those previously planned can be offered during the period.
It is unlikely that waiting lists can be eliminated in the near future but the effect of the increased rate of take—on to the scheme should be of help. The Government are looking urgently at the future of the scheme in the medium term and an announcement will be made later this year.
§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the delay in 350W getting successful applicants for the enterprise allowance scheme accepted for seminars before they are able to draw weekly payments under the scheme.
§ Mr. Alan Clark[pursuant to his reply, 30 April 1984, c. 34]I refer my hon. Friend to my reply of 1 May at column 65 to my hon. Friend the Member for Harlow (Mr. Hayes).