asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many places are available in Strathclyde on the Manpower Services Commission community enterprise programme in 1982–83; and how many applications have been refused because of the ceiling on places.

The Manpower Services Commission's target figure for places on the community enterprise programme in Strathclyde in 1982–83 is 3,240. Applications to sponsor schemes are not refused because of the ceiling on places but are held in abeyance and will be considered for approval whenever existing schemes are to be replaced. It is estimated that at present about 90 applications are pending in this way in Strathclyde.