§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with his departmental colleagues and the First Secretary concerning the progress of the New Deal in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [109678]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyI have regular discussions concerning New Deal with colleagues in central government and the Assembly. I am pleased to note that up to the end of November 1999 well over 17,000 people in Wales had secured jobs through New Deal and 4,941 employers in Wales had signed up to support New Deal.