§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Employment what recent changes have been made in eligibility for admission to the community programme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonMy right hon. Friend announced on 30 July, at columns 121–22, that from 1 October eligibility for the programme would normally be confined to benefit recipients. We have also provided that where unemployment or supplementary benefit is claimed by the head of a household and includes an element of payment for an unemployed spouse, that spouse will be eligible as a benefit recipient for a place on the programme.
§ Mr. Meadowcroftasked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what percentage of participants on the community programme scheme are women;
(2) if he is satisfied with the percentage of women on the community programme scheme;
(3) if he has any plans to improve the percentage of women on the community programme scheme;
(4) how the percentage of women on the community programme scheme will be affected by the new rules which state that participants must be receiving unemployment benefit.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonParticipation in the programme is voluntary and open to both men and women. The opportunities available depend on the particular projects put forward by sponsors and recommended for funding by the Manpower Services Commission area manpower boards in the light of the programme's aims and taking into account relevant local circumstances, experience and priorities. The latest available figures, which relate to the end of September, show that 23 per cent. of entrants over the past 12 months were women.
In the light of the priority now to be given to benefit recipients, as announced by my right hon. Friend on 30 995W July, at columns 121–22, I shall pay close attention to the characteristics of those entering the programme under the new eligibility criteria.