§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make an official visit to the Fazakerley re-establishment and resettlement units.
§ Mr. NewtonI am grateful to the hon. Member for the invitation previously extended to me informally. I will look for an opportunity to visit the unit later in the year.
§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what use he intends to make of the expertise and experience in dealing with homeless men gained by the staff of Fazakerley resettlement unit when the unit is closed.
§ Mr. WhitneyAdministrative staff employed in the social security regional organisation volunteer for a limited period to perform resettlement unit duties and when the unit is closed they will return to other social security work where their expertise and experience will be useful. Alternative job possibilities are being explored for staff who are employed in grades particular to resettlement units.
§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proposals he has to replace the training available to the long-term unemployed provided at Fazakerley re-establishment centre.
§ Mr. WhitneyThe decision to close re-establishment centres was taken in the light of the greatly increased provision for the long-term unemployed now made by the Manpower Services Commission.
Before the closure of Fazakerley re-establishment centre a detailed assessment of the relevant local MSC provision will be undertaken.