§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people have entered(a) full-time jobs and (b) further education under the New Deal to date; and if he will make a statement. [78958]
§ Mr. HainThe latest data published by the Department for Education and Employment shows that, between 5 January 1998 and 29 January 1999, almost 4,400 people had been helped into work in Wales through the New Deal and more than 2,300 others had entered full-time 727W education or training (some of whom had subsequently also moved into jobs). Within these totals, separate information is not available on the number of jobs which are full-time or the number of people undertaking further education as distinct from training.
I am very pleased with the positive start which the New Deal has made in Wales, and the tremendous support it has received from employers and partner organisations. I am also delighted with the enthusiasm of the New Deal participants themselves.