§ Mr. CrausbyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to encourage the growth of co-operatives. [102483]
§ Ms Jowell[holding answer 13 December 1999]: The Government welcome all types of business organisation, including co-operatives, which can meet the needs of employers, individuals and customers. This reflects the Government's key objectives of achieving high and stable levels of overall growth and employment, and a flexible and adaptable labour market.
The UK's low inflation and stable macroeconomy, and its policies to promote competition, innovation and enterprise, aim to foster the conditions in which new jobs can be created, whether by co-operatives or by other types of organisation.
Through the new deal, we are also forging partnerships with a wide range of non-government organisations, including community based organisations and other intermediaries who can co-operate in the task of helping jobless people back to work. A £5 million fund has also been established to support intermediary organisations in eleven cities, who can demonstrate they have effective links with employers and can help jobless people into work.