§ Mr. Fatchettasked the Paymaster General what has been the impact on targeted community programme schemes in the eight task force areas of the embargo on recruitment of under-25-year-olds to community programme places in connection with the job training scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI will reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
§ Dr. Godmanasked the Paymaster General if he will list in the Official Report the number of (a) prosecutions and (b) convictions in England and Wales since 1981 for offences relating to the fraudulent misuse or misappropriation of moneys advanced by the Manpower Services Commission in connection with the community programme.
§ Mr. LeeCentral records are only held for cases dating back to 1984. Since then there have been 13 prosecutions, resulting in nine convictions; the other four have still to be determined. The Manpower Services Commission vigorously investigate any allegations of misuse of public funds on the community programme, referring serious cases to the police and seeking recovery of the moneys involved.