Jobfinder's Grants

Mr. Pond
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many jobfinders' grants were paid in 1996–97; and at what cost. [5438]

Mr. Alan Howarth
Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Employment Service agency under its Chief Executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from Leigh Lewis to Mr. Christopher Pond, dated 26 June 1997: The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about how many Jobfinder's Grants were paid in 1996–97; and at what cost. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of the Agency. During 1996–97, 17,300 Grants were paid at a cost of £3.8 million. I hope this is helpful.