§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Paymaster General, pursuant to the answer of 23 January 1987 regarding community programme plans in 1987–88, if he will list the areas 686W considered to be most in need; how he anticipates the allocation in these areas will compare with those in 1986–87, and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Lee[pursuant to his reply, 29 January 1987, c. 349]: In distributing community programme places between regions and areas those considered to be most in need are those which are experiencing the highest relative incidence of long-term unemployment. The allocation between regions and areas for 1987–88 is still being finalised by the Manpower Services Commission.
§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Paymaster General how the total provision of the community programme places in 1987–88 compared with that of 1986–87; what is the percentage change and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Lee[pursuant to his reply, 29 January 1987, c. 349]: In December 1986 there were 247,600 filled places nationally and we expect the programmme to level out in the next few months, at around 250,000 filled places. For 1987–88, the Manpower Services Commission is planning to operate the programme at an average level over the year of about 245,000 filled places. We shall continue to provide opportunities for 300,000 participants in this coming year.