HC Deb 19 October 1999 vol 336 c556W
Miss McIntosh

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has received on the progress of the New Deal for Lone Parents(a) nationally and (b) in the Vale of York; and if he will make a statement. [94158]

Angela Eagle

The New Deal for Lone Parents (NDLP) was launched nationally on 26 October 1998. The results of the national programme and those for North Yorkshire District, which covers the Vale of York, are available up to the end of July 1999. The information is in the table.

North Yorkshire district National programme
Initial interviews carried out 725 80,130
Number agreeing to participate 639 71,480
Number of jobs obtained 188 18,260

Lone parents and organisations that represent them have welcomed NDLP and a vast majority of those attending an interview with a personal adviser have decided to participate in the programme.

There were two earlier phases: phase one prototypes in eight areas from July 1997 and phase two, for new and repeat claims, from April 1998. The full independent evaluation of the prototype phase is now expected to be published by March next year.