§ 7. Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what prizes have been awarded following his announcement that an essay competition would be launched to invite ideas from young people about the rôle of the youth services.
§ Mr. Gerry FowlerTwenty-five pounds was awarded to the entry from 1082 West Glamorgan Venture Scouts. Four runners-up each received £5.
§ Mr. SteenDoes the Minister agree that that is a most disappointing result? Does he further agree that it perhaps indicates the widening gulf between young people, the youth service and his Department? Does it not also indicate the rejection by young people of the Government's paternalistic approach towards them? Will he now——
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. The hon. Gentleman has asked a supplementary question. I am trying my best to make hon. Members ask one supplementary question.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. Did the hon. Gentleman not ask a question?
§ Mr. SteenI was in the middle of doing so when you called me to order Mr. Speaker. I am most grateful for your instruction. Perhaps I may crave your indulgence and finish my question. Does the Minister agree that young people should be given powers of decision making in respect of matters that concern their own youth service? Does he agree——
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I feel like a schoolmaster. Mr. Fowler.
§ Mr. FowlerI am full of admiration for the hon. Gentleman and his means of packing several supplementary questions into one. I do not think that the result was disappointing, least of all for the West Glamorgan Venture Scouts. The entries in the competition were of an extremely high standard. I take the hon. Gentleman's point about paternalism. I hope that I have never been guilty of that vice. I should like all age ranges concerned with the youth service to be involved in its administration.