HC Deb 06 May 2004 vol 420 cc1783-4W
Mr. Pickthall

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many lone parents in West Lancashire have gained work through the New Deal programme. [171723]

Jane Kennedy

650 lone parents in West Lancashire have gained work through the New Deal for Lone Parents since the start of the programme in October 1998. Figures for lone parents who have gained work through other New Deal Programmes are not available.

Mr. Meacher

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many lone parents in Oldham, West and Royton have gained work through the New Deal programme. [170948]

Jane Kennedy

480 lone parents in Oldham, West and Royton have gained work through the New Deal for Lone Parents since the start of the programme in October 1998. Figures for lone parents who have gained work through other New Deal programmes are not available.

Mr. Meacher

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many women in Oldham, West and Royton have benefited from(a) the New Deal for Lone Parents and (b) the New Deal for Partners since 1997; and if he will make a statement. [170950]

Jane Kennedy

Through the New Deal we have introduced a wide range of initiatives to help individuals improve their employment prospects by giving them the skills, support and confidence they need to move into work. From 12 April we enhanced the New Deal for Partners in order to offer partners taking part in that programme the same level of help and support as our successful New Deal for Lone Parents programme. Also from this April W(have started to roll out Work Focused Interviews for Partners, offering greater support to partners of benefit recipients.

720 women have started New Deal for Lone Parents in Oldham, West and Royton since the beginning of the programme in October 1998, of whom, 460 have gained a job. Information on the number of women who have benefited from the New Deal for Partners is not available.

Martin Linton

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many lone parents have(a) gained work and (b) entered training or education through the New Deal for Lone Parents in Battersea. [169768]

Jane Kennedy

Since the beginning of the programme in October 1998, 400 lone parents have gained work, and 70 have participated in training or education, through the New Deal for Lone Parents in Battersea.