§ Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people are on the community programme schemes in the Stockport and Tameside districts, respectively; and within these numbers how many are being supervised by local authorities and how many by others.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonThe information is not available in the form requested. On 31 October 1,848 people were employed on community programme projects funded from the Manchester east area office of the Manpower Services Commission, which includes the Stockport and Tameside districts. Of these, 1,450 were working on projects administered by local authorities and the remaining 398 on projects administered by voluntary organisations and other sponsors.
§ Mr. Wareingasked the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has received about the effect that recent changes in the community programme regulations are having on Merseyside Improvements Limited: if he intends to discuss the matter with the chairman of the Manpower Services Commission and representatives of the company; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonWe have not received any representation about the effect on Merseyside Improvements Ltd. of the recent changes to the community programme rules, which my right hon. Friend announced on 30 July at columns121–122. However, representations have been made both to the chairman of the Manpower Services Commission and to this Department about the basis on which Merseyside Improvements Ltd may continue to receive community programme funding. These representations are currently being considered and we have at present no plans to initiate discussions.