HC Deb 08 April 1981 vol 2 cc935-6
1. Mr. Norman Hogg

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many persons under 18 years of age were registered as unemployed in Scotland at 3 May 1979 and 24 March 1981.

The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Alexander Fletcher)

The age analysis of the unemployment register is carried out quarterly, in January, April, July and October. On 5 April 1979, 14,745 people under 18 years of age were registered as unemployed in Scotland. On 15 January 1981, the latest date for which information is available, the number was 30,623. These figures are not seasonally adjusted, and the January figures are normally higher because of the December school-leaving date.

Mr. Hogg

Does not that reply expose the Government's disgraceful employment record? Does the Minister realise that the Government's economic policy has collapsed and that he is destroying the hopes and ambitions of young people? Will he admit to his failures and argue for a change of strategy?

Mr. Fletcher

The Government's strategy is on target. We are tackling the problems that we set out to solve in the correct order of priority. Since before the election, inflation has been top of the list.

Mr. Sproat

As regards youth unemployment, does my hon. Friend agree that there is an urgent need to restructure the apprenticeship system? Does he accept that the apprenticeship system operates too often against young people and against industry, because it is too rigid and concentrates more on the length of time served than standards and achievements?

Mr. Fletcher

I entirely agree with my hon. Friend. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment is busy studying such problems. My hon. Friend will know that the youth opportunities programme gives young people an opportunity to enhance their job prospects. Surveys show that 70 per cent. of participants in the programme are employed five months after leaving it.

Mr. O'Neill

Given the unemployment figures that the Minister has announced, how does he hope to motivate those who are in full-time education? Will he seriously consider introducing a mandatory grant system for those who are in full-time school education and who have no prospect of finding jobs when they leave school?

Mr. Fletcher

The hon. Gentleman is being over-pessimistic. As I said, 70 per cent. of those who have been on a youth opportunities programme scheme find employment after five months. Most of those who left school in December will find jobs within the next few months.

Mr. Myles

Is my hon. Friend aware that many small firms are inhibited from employing young people, because they have to comply with so many regulations?

Mr. Fletcher

My hon. Friend is correct. As my hon. Friend the Member for Aberdeen, South (Mr. Sproat) pointed out, the apprenticeship system does not increase the number of trainees and tends to restrict entry into the trades. Therefore, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment is re viewing the system.

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