§ Mr. Haselhurstasked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what steps he has take to initiate discussions with charitable groups in order to secure additional community programme placements as indicated in his recently published White Paper, "Employment: the Challenge to the Nation"; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if an invitation to charitable bodies to submit proposals for new placements for the enhanced community programe in 1985–86 will extend to groups not at present participating in the programme.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonThe White Paper "Employment: The Challenge to the Nation" (Cmnd. 9474) explains that as well as increasing the community programme by 100,000 places to 230,000 places, £10 million will be made available to explore new approaches to helping long-term unemployed people. My right hon. Friend has asked the Manpower Services Commission to develop detailed proposals for these experiments as quickly as possible. Many charities and voluntary organisations aready make a invaluable contribution to the success of the community programme. All suggestions, whether from charities or other bodies about how to build on that success are both welcomed and carefully considered.