§ Mr. Maddenasked the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has received concerning changes in the eligibility conditions for new entrants to the Manpower Services Commission community programme which are claimed to affect women adversely.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonMy right hon. Friend announced on 30 July at column122 his decision that eligibility for participation in the community programme would normally be confined to the long-term unemployed who are also benefit recipients. He explained that this change, which took affect from 1 October, was in order to ensure that places on the programme go to those most in need. The Department has subsequently received some 49 letters up to and including 24 October 1984.