HC Deb 02 April 1985 vol 76 cc532-3W
30. Mr. Kennedy

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the continuation of the community programme in the Highlands and Islands.

Mr. Peter Morrison

I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Dunfermline, East (Mr. Brown) on 25 March at column38.

37. Mr. Wallace

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many places the Manpower Services Commission will provide on community programmes during 1985–86.

54. Mr. Eggar

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the future structure of the community programme.

Mr. Peter Morrison

I refer the hon. Member and my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friend's reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Strathkelvin and Bearsden (Mr. Hirst) earlier today.

51. Mr. Latham

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will make a statement on the current progress of the community programme.

Mr. Peter Morrison

I refer to my right hon. Friend's remarks about the community programme at column 1024 during the debate on Budget resolutions and the economic situation on 21 March.

Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for Employment why staff on the community programme are employed on short-term contracts.

Mr. Peter Morrison

Participation on the community programme helps to improve the employment prospects of people who have been unemployed for some time. A maximum period of twelve months is considered the most effective use of available resources although managers, supervisors and key workers may be kept on for longer if suitable unemployed replacement workers are not available.

Mr. Kennedy

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) if he can provide, following the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Budget statement, figures for the estimated increases in the number of places available under the community programme in the Manpower Services Commission Highland area board region;

(2) what the estimated net effect of the changes announced in the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Budget statement with regard to the community programme will be on the current projected decreases in the number of places available within the Manpower Services Commission Highland area board region.

Mr. Peter Morrison

We are expanding the community programme by 100,000 places to a new national target of 230,000 places. This enables extra provision in all areas, including those which had previously expected reductions by October 1986. My right hon. Friend has asked the Manpower Services Commission for its views as soon as possible on the allocation of available places.