§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many young people on the new deal are currently taking part in the education and training option. [85417]
§ Mr. Andrew SmithThe latest Government Statistical Service figures show that at the end of March 1999 there were 23,190 young people on the New Deal Full Time Education and Training Option.
§ Dr. WhiteheadTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what progress is being made in developing employer-involvement in the New Deal for young unemployed people. [85403]
§ Mr. Andrew SmithEmployers are playing an ever-increasing role in New Deal. They are helping us strengthen its design, meet business needs through sector initiatives, in hospitality for example, and most importantly, provide sustained jobs for nearly 70,000 young people.