§ 31. Mr. Rogersasked the Paymaster General what proportion of people leaving the community programme obtain a permanent job.
§ Mr. LangThe results of the latest survey of former community programme participants show that 54 per cent. of those responding had had at least one job within 10 months of leaving the community programme; 28 per cent. of respondents obtained a job immediately on leaving.
§ 41. Mr. Dixonasked the Paymaster General if he has any plans to introduce a refuse cleaning element into the community programme.
§ Mr. LangI have no specific plans to introduce a refuse clearing element into the community programme. However, the programme already funds projects which, for example, remove flytips from beauty spots and collect and recycle waste materials.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment has recently announced a new environmental improvement initiative which it is estimated will initially provide work for up to 5,000 long-term unemployed people through the community programme.
§ 65. Mr. Leightonasked the Paymaster General what is the average wage on the community programme; and what proportion of participants are paid more than this and what proportion less.
§ Mr. LangThe latest survey estimate shows the average wage paid to community programme participants, including managers and supervisors, to be £73 per week; 43 per cent. were paid more than this and 57 per cent. less.
§ 80. Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Paymaster General if he has any plans to seek to improve the training element in the community programme.
§ Mr. LangThe principal objective of the community programme is to provide worthwhile temporary employment for long-term unemployed people. The latest survey evidence shows that about 70 per cent. of participants receive training, and this will continue to be encouraged.
§ Mr. Steenasked the Paymaster General if he will list the projects funded under the community programme in each of the last three years; how many jobs were created as a result; at what total cost in each year; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LangThe community programme began in October 1982. At the end of the last three years the number of projects and places were as follows:
Projects operating Places filled March 1984 7,498 112,886 March 1985 7,894 132,755 March 1986 10,315 199,919 The total annual costs were as follows:
£ million 1983–84 400.1 1984–85 534.3 1985–86 683.8 It would be impractical to provide a complete list of all projects and places which have been funded in each of the last three years. Such a list could be provided only at disproportionate cost.