Answers to the Written Assembly Questions for answer on 15 October 2009

[R] signifies that the Member has declared an interest.
[W] signifies that the question was tabled in Welsh.

Contents

Questions to the Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills

To ask the Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills

David Melding (South Wales Central): What proportion, by monetary value and by number of companies participating, of the ProAct grants have been awarded to SMEs. (WAQ54973)

Answer issued on 15 October 2009

The Deputy Minister for Skills (John Griffiths): There are currently 67 Micro companies approved for funding under ProAct which represents £2.4m. A further 19 companies are SMEs and this represents £3.3. Therefore a total of £5.7m has been committed to companies in Wales with under 250 employees. This is around 63% of the total companies who have been approved for ProAct and 32% of the funding.

Kirsty Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire): Will the Minister provide details on the £20 million scheme to tackle youth unemployment set out in the draft budget. (WAQ54974)

Answer issued on 16 October 2009

John Griffiths: We will target support to help those young people who have been hit hardest by the economic downturn: The additional £20.5m will extend pathways to Apprenticeship, increase Skillbuild provision and support the Young Persons Guarantee and other DWP Measures.