§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Paymaster General if he will make a statement on progress in the nationwide implementation of the job training programme.
§ Mr. John LeeMy right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State for Employment announced, on 9 October, a new pilot job training scheme to be tested in nine areas around the country. Pilot programmes are now in operation in all of the nine areas. There has been an enthusiastic response from training providers, and unemployed people are beginning to come forward in significant numbers.
§ Mr. Wainwrightasked the Paymaster General whether those enrolling on the job training scheme will be regarded as unemployed for the purposes of the unemployment count.
§ Mr. John LeeNo. Like other trainees on Government sponsored schemes who are not entitled to benefits as an unemployed person, they will be excluded from the claimant count.