HC Deb 04 March 1971 vol 812 cc1890-1
21. Mr. Judd

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will now publish a White Paper on the future of the Youth Service; and whether she will make a statement.

Mrs. Thatcher

I hope to make a statement within the next few weeks.

Mr. Judd

I thank the right hon. Lady for that reply, but will she not understand that, among many of those carrying the main responsibility for the service, there is great anxiety to see a clear presentation of the Government's future strategy on this vital front?

Mrs. Thatcher

I share the hon. Member's anxiety, and I hope that we are within sight of having a statement.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

Would my right hon. Friend look very sympathetically at the Young Volunteer Force, the task force working in London and the provinces, to see what she can do to encourage local authorities to help them?

Mrs. Thatcher

I have just appointed a new chairman of the Young Volunteer Force. I am sure that it will have an important part to play in the coming year.