§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the future of Liverpool's community programme schemes, in particular the G Force project.
§ Mr. NichollsThere will be sufficient places in Liverpool under the new programme employment training for every existing community programme provider who wishes to provide training of acceptable quality. The commission has now received more than enough bids to provide the planned number of places in Liverpool.
However, some community programme providers in Liverpool, particularly those operated by voluntary organisations including G. Force Ltd., may be prevented from participating in employment training by Liverpool city council's irresponsible decision to withdraw grants and the use of council premises from organisations involved in the new programme. The Training Commission will seek to ensure that there is alternative provision using other training providers, but as a result of the council's decision some projects which provide valuable services to disadvantaged groups in the local community may not be able to continue. I understand that G Force CP Ltd. is still considering its position in relation to employment training.