HC Deb 18 November 1963 vol 684 cc604-5
8. Mr. Dudley Smith

asked the Minister of Labour how many boys and girls received help in the past year under the Training Allowances Scheme for the purposes of entering training or progressive employment away from their home areas; and what is the annual cost of the scheme.

Mr. Godber

During the 12 months ended 30th September, 1963, a total of 1,911 young people were helped under the scheme. The average number receiving allowances each week was 911 and the average allowance paid was £1 0s. 7d. per week. The total cost of the scheme in the last financial year was £56,588.

Mr. Dudley Smith

Can my right hon. Friend say where the scheme is most used and whether he regards it as a continuing success?

Mr. Godber

I think the greatest use is in Scotland where there are transferences from one part of Scotland to another. Good use it also made of it in the south-west region, in Wales and in the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire region. I do not think I can regard the scheme as an unqualified success, because I do not think that sufficient people are making use of it. I hope that more young people will be willing to leave home, if only for training, so that they may return to exercise their skill in their home area.

Mrs. Slater

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many concerned are girls?

Mr. Godber

I am sorry, but I have not that figure and cannot answer that question without notice.