HC Deb 07 November 1972 vol 845 cc795-6
1. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what reply he has sent to the organisers of Community Industry, the experimental project set up to combat the problem of teenage unemployment, who have requested a renewed Government grant of £20 million to guarantee the project's continuation until the end of March, 1976.

30. Mr. Willey

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will make a statement on the experimental work scheme operated by the National Association of Youth Clubs.

The Under-Secretary of State for Employment (Mr. Dudley Smith)

No reply has yet been sent to Community Industry's request. Its report for the period 1st January-31st August is being studied and its recommendations are being sympathetically considered by my Department. An announcement will be made shortly.

Mr. Dalyell

Is the Government's attitude likely to be one of more than sympathy?

Mr. Smith

The Government wish to evaluate the scheme and to go into it very carefully. A large amount of money has been requested by those responsible. We are approaching the request sympathetically and as quickly as possible. I do not rule out the continuation of the scheme.

Mr. Sutcliffe

Will my hon. Friend reach a decision urgently? In the Northern Region there is the worst unemployment amongst young people for over 40 years. In the Teesside area over 1,500 boys and girls are out of work. Will my hon. Friend go and see the situation for himself and hear from young people about the excellent job that the scheme is doing in the Teesside area? He will then understand the far greater contribution the scheme could make if it is provided with the resources which have been requested.

Mr. Smith

I have not been to Teesside but I have been to Liverpool and seen the scheme in operation. I was very impressed with the enthusiasm and keenness being displayed by those who are participating and directing events. I can assure my hon. Friend that we shall be as quick as possible in reaching the proper decision. However, we must go into all eventualities.