if he will make a statement on the impact on employment levels of the new deal in North Yorkshire.

The new deals have had a positive impact on employment levels in North Yorkshire, with more than 11,000 people helped into work, including more than 1,400 people in my hon. Friend's constituency. The evidence shows that a combination of economic stability and the help provided through Jobcentre Plus and the new deal has played a key role in delivering the labour market success story that we see today.

In the spirit of cross-party co-operation, will my hon. Friend commend the comments of North Yorkshire Tory Councillor Carl Les, who recently said this about the council's latest new deal scheme:

"This is a win-win initiative, which is bringing real benefits at a very local level, whether through support to people who are trying to get back into work or through improvements to village greens."

What advice can my hon. Friend give to Councillor Les to ensure that that win-win scheme continues long, long into the future?

I am amazed to find myself agreeing with a Conservative—and my advice to that Conservative councillor is that he should join the Labour party. It is excellent that people see the real strength and importance of the new deals and the difference that the new deals can make to areas such as North Yorkshire at a local level, and it is a pity that that Conservative party does not see that too.