To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the total budget is for the Access to Work scheme in 2007-08; what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on developing the scheme; and if he will make a statement. (140673)

The budget for the Access to Work programme for 2007-08 is £64 million. The Secretary of State has regular discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on funding for the Department's priorities, including Access to Work. Over the past 10 years the programme's budget has increased four-fold and the programme now helps nearly three times as many people as in 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the total expenditure was on the Access to Work scheme in 2005-06; and how much of that expenditure was spent on promoting the scheme to (a) employers and (b) disabled jobseekers. (140674)

The total expenditure for Access to Work in 2005-06 was £59.8 million.

The promotion of Access to Work comes under the wider Jobcentre Plus marketing budget. The Department does not record specific marketing expenditure on Access to Work.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many disabled people were supported by the Access to Work scheme in 2005-06. (140675)

In 2005-06, 28,514 people were supported by Access to Work.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people with hearing impediments were supported by the Access to Work scheme in 2005-06. (140676)

The information is not available.