HC Deb 17 November 1987 vol 122 c505W
Mr. Stevens

To ask the Secretary of State for Enployment if he will make a statement on the progress of the enterprise allowance scheme.

Mr. Cope

Since the enterprise allowance scheme began in 1982, almost 290,000 unemployed people have been helped to start their own business. 102,500 places are available this year and 110,000 will be available next year.

Mr. Andy Stewart

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment, what effect the enterprise allowance scheme has had on job creation.

Mr. Cope

The enterprise allowance scheme has had a significant effect on job creation. Since the scheme began in 1982, more than 289,000 unemployed people have created new jobs for themselves by becoming self-employed and starting now businesses. In addition, recent survey results indicate that for every 100 EAS businesses still trading three years after start-up, an additional 114 jobs have been created.

Mr. Fallon

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many people have participated in the enterprise allowance scheme.

Mr. Cope

To the end of October, the latest date for which figures are available, 289,936 people have received the enterprise allowance since the scheme began in 1982.

Mr. Stevens

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the progress of the enterprise allowance scheme.

Mr. Cope

Since the enterprise allowance scheme began in 1982, almost 290,000 unemployed people have been helped to start their own business. 102,500 places are available this year and 110,000 will be available next year.