HC Deb 09 February 1994 vol 237 cc344-5W
Mrs. Fyfe

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if child care provision or payments for the cost of child care or care of infirm relatives will be made available for participants on the community action volunteers scheme.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

I have been asked to reply.

Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Employment Service Agency under its chief executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from M. E. G. Fogden to Mrs. Maria Fyfe, dated 9 February 1994: The Secretary of State for Employment has asked met to reply to your question to the Secretary of State for Scotland about Community Action as this programme is being delivered by the Employment Service. In line with other Employment Service programmes, there are no specific arrangements to provide child care or expenses to cover the cost of child care or care of infirm relatives for Community Action participants. Community Action is, though, a part-time programme consisting of a minimum of 18 hours work experience and three hours jobsearch activity each week. This allows some flexibility in participation and programme providers are encouraged to exercise this flexibility in order to allow people with caring responsibilities to attend. At their discretion, providers are able to make child care facilities available to participants. A part of the payment made to providers can be used as a contribution for this purpose. Participation in the programme is, though, in all cases, voluntary. I hope this is helpful.