§ Miss WiddecombeTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the future of the job release scheme and new workers scheme in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. ViggersIn line with the action taken to end both those schemes in Great Britain I have decided that both schemes will close in Northern Ireland from 31 January 1988. All existing applications for job release will be considered if a proposed date of early retirement is no later than 31 January 1988 except that applications with a release date of up to 31 March 1988 may be considered in exceptional circumstances. In relation to the new workers scheme applications can be considered under this scheme only if the job to be supported starts on or before 31 January 1988 and all other conditions are met. Applications must be received at the Department of Economic Development within 13 weeks of the date the job started.