§ 25. Mr. Russell BrownTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received on his policy of spending the windfall levy on an extension of the welfare-to-work programme. [41699]
§ Mr. Geoffrey RobinsonMy right hon. Friend the Chancellor announced a major extension of the Welfare to Work initiative in his recent Budget. We will provide additional help to young people, the long-term unemployed, lone parents, people with disabilities and partners of the unemployed. This commitment has been welcomed by employers, unemployed people, the voluntary sector and the wider public. The Chancellor's and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland's initiative to expand the New Deal for the long-term unemployed in Northern Ireland, as part of a wider strategy for investment and enterprise, has been particularly welcomed in the Province.