HC Deb 20 January 1987 vol 108 c479W
Mr. Leighton

asked the Paymaster General how much was spent last year on community programme linked training; how much will be spent in the current year; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lee

In 1985–86 it is provisionally estimated that £3.5 million was spent on community programme linked training. The figure planned for 1986–87 is £5.2 million.

Mr. Leighton

asked the Paymaster General how many places there are at present on national initiatives on the community programme.

Mr. Lee

At the latest count, in November 1986, there were 26,100 filled places on national initiatives.

Mr. Leighton

asked the Paymaster General what proportion of community programme participants are subject to an EC4 form.

Mr. Lee

The EC4 form referred to by the hon. Member is a record of termination of employment by participants on the community programme. Its purpose is to provide information on the success of community programme workers in going on to other employment and training opportunities.

However, since completion of the form is voluntary the information provided is incomplete and I am unable to answer the question in the form requested. In order to improve this source of information, however, the form has been revised and from 2 February 1987 there will be a requirement for project sponsors to complete it.

Mr. Leighton

asked the Paymaster General how many schemes for tender currently exist on the community programme; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lee

Schemes for tender arrangements were introduced in 1982 in order to encourage the building industry to participate in the community programme, and its predecessor the community enterprise programme, by allowing private building contractors to tender for, and sponsor, building projects.

Although a small number of projects are known to have operated under these arrangements, no central record is kept and it is not possible to state with any certainty how many such projects are currently running. However, the arrangements have not been widely used and as a result discussions have been taking place with the building employers about how they might be improved. Currently the Manpower Services Commission is awaiting detailed proposals from the building employers in this regard.