European Voluntary Service

HC Deb 01 June 1998 vol 313 cc137-8W

Mr. Willetts

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if the European Voluntary Service will be eligible for the voluntary option of the New Deal. [43968]

Mr. Andrew Smith

The European Voluntary Service programme has not yet been formally agreed by the European Council and European Parliament. If and when the programme is fully operational, the opportunities offered will be eligible for the Voluntary Sector option of the New Deal for young unemployed people if they satisfy the design and quality criteria of that option. Organisations offering opportunities abroad on that option must also ensure that participants comply with benefit and immigration regulations.