HC Deb 05 July 1979 vol 969 cc1540-1
8. Mr. Kenneth Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals he has for providing increased opportunities for young people in Northern Ireland to secure training in skilled employment.

Mr. Rossi

I have made it my business to visit as many as possible of the places in Northern Ireland providing opportunities for youth training. I am convinced of the usefulness of the work which is being done and see no need to alter present arrangements.

Mr. Lewis

I am sure that the Minister is aware that when young men cannot get jobs, especially in the circumstances existing in Northern Ireland, they become involved in violent mischief. When they obtain dead-end jobs, they become involved in moonlighting and violence. Is he aware that, according to my information, the opportunities in Northern Ireland for young men to be trained in skills are inadequate.

Mr. Rossi

I am well aware of all that my hon. Friend has said. I have been singularly impressed by the schemes in operation in Northern Ireland, though that is not to say that there is no room for improvement. We are constantly looking at this issue.

Mr. Fitt

Is the Minister aware of the disquiet that was announced recently by the Irish Congress of Trades Unions regarding the Government expenditure cutbacks? This will have a serious effect on any organisations which are designed to help young people. Will the Government rethink any cutbacks which they have proposed in this direction?

Mr. Rossi

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the cutbacks have no detrimental effect upon training schemes.

Mr. John

The hon. Gentleman says that he sees no reason to change existing arrangements. Will he have regard to the June report of the Northern Ireland economic council in which it was said that apprenticeship and similar schemes should be put on a more stable and permanent basis? Will the Government consider the provision of permanent schemes now to help in the creation of apprenticeships in Northern Ireland?

Mr. Rossi

The hon. Gentleman is well aware of the Government training schemes in Northern Ireland and the number of people who go through them. Naturally we shall always consider improving what we have there at the moment.