HC Deb 11 June 1998 vol 313 cc696-7W
Ms Blears

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what progress he is making in securing the involvement of employers in the new deal for the young unemployed. [43763]

Mr. Andrew Smith

We are making excellent progress. I am pleased to announce that over 10,100 employers have now signed New Deal employer agreements, of which 128 are leading national employers, covering over 400 subsidiary businesses.

Mr. Willis

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many participants in the New Deal for 18 to 24 year olds there were in each of the four categories available in each of the pilot areas. [43368]

Mr. Andrew Smith

On the 27 May, I made public the latest statistical data for the Pathfinder areas, for the period 5 January to 31 March 1998. This information has been placed in the Library. It is, of course, early days for this ambitious undertaking, but I am encouraged by the progress in the New Deal Pathfinder areas.