§ Mrs. GormanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the estimated cost to public funds per capita, for each of the options, over their six months on the New Deal. [8212]
§ Mr. Andrew SmithAverage costs will be determined by the detailed contracting process which will take place in the autumn.
§ Mr. GormanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many private sector employers have indicated their willingness to participate in the New Deal scheme. [8210]
§ Mr. SmithFollowing the seminar at No. 11 Downing St., 30 of the country's top companies have expressed their wish to be involved. We have also received, and continue to receive, expressions of interest from other employers, both small and large.
303WThere will be a major campaign to win the commitment of the business community. At national level, we are creating an Advisory Task Force, chaired by Sir Peter Davis, to carry out a national effort to win support for New Deal from the top 500 companies.
At regional level in England, ES and Government Offices will hold a series of events—including conferences, roadshows and visits to employers' to win support, and each ES district will work with local partners to contact local firms to gain their commitment.
Similar campaigns will run in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.