§ Mr. Evansasked the Paymaster General if he will provide a breakdown of the number of places covered in
474Wconsultants, are currently being processed. I do not expect to receive this report before April, but I will place a copy in the Library of the House as soon as it is available.
§ Mr. Millanasked the Paymaster General (1) whether he will increase the average wage of £63 per week for funding under the community programme; and what discussions he has had with the chairman of the Manpower Services Commission on this matter;
(2) if he will increase the agency fee payable to local authorities for managing projects under the community programme.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkWe keep under review the levels of approved costs which can be reimbursed under the community programme and make changes whenever this would improve the cost-effective use of taxpayers' money. The chairman of the Manpower Services Commission regularly discusses all such issues connected with the efficient administration of the programme.