§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues about the operation of the New Deal in Wales. [67882]
§ Mr. TouhigMy right hon. Friend meets Cabinet colleagues regularly to discuss a range of issues, including the operation of the New Deal in Wales. I am also pleased to have had the opportunity to discuss the operation of the New Deal with the Wales New Deal Task Force, at the meeting in Brecon on 16 May.
New Deal has been a huge success in Wales, particularly in helping young people back into work. 24,800 young Welsh people have secured jobs through New Deal since its launch and 80 per cent. of those have retained their jobs for 13 weeks or more. Today's labour market statistics show that there has been a 67 per cent. fall in youth JSA claimants since the launch of the New Deal programmes in Wales.