asked the Minister for Labour if he will furnish particulars of employment premiums paid or authorised in respect of (a) industrial employment and (b) agricultural employment; and if he will give the numbers in each case and the estimated payment from the Exchequer.
Written Answers. - Employment Premiums.
222.
Since the introduction of the premium employment programme up to 11th November, 1975, 5,438 premiums amounting to £65,256 have been paid in respect of industrial employment and a further 732 premiums amounting to £8,784 have been authorised for payment.
The conditions governing payment of premiums to employers in agriculture require that the employee in respect of whom premiums are being claimed must be retained in employment for nine months. No premiums can, therefore, be paid or authorised until this nine-month period is completed.