asked the Secretary of State for Employment why invitations for an official launch of the "Service away from Home" scheme were issued before 3 April, in the light of the Under-Secretary's reply to the question of the hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme on that date, indicating that the scheme was being closely evaluated and that a decision on its future would be made before the expiry date of the pilot period.

I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.