§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the number of non-governmental groups that have to date shown an interest in participating in the Environmental Task Force within the New Deal welfare to work programme; and what responses he has received from these organisations. [33113]
§ Mr. Andrew SmithI have been asked to reply.
Many non-governmental groups have shown great interest in the Environment Task Force option of the New Deal. However, the contracting process for this option is currently underway and the numbers participating are now yet available. Responses from non-governmental groups have been varied, ranging from comments on the design and implementation of the option to expressions of interest in tendering for delivery.