To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the progress of job clubs.

In recent months job clubs have been particularly successful in attracting entrants—20 per cent. more during the last quarter of 1989 than during the corresponding period in 1988.The employment service is currently considering its plans for 1990–91. Provision will be made for a large and vigorous job club programme to continue.I believe that job club is an excellent programme offering practical help with jobsearch to long-term unemployed people and others at a disadvantage in the labour market.