§ 11. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Employment what discussions have taken place in the European Council of Ministers on the proposals for a European youth service scheme.
§ Mr. PriorNone, Sir, although the European Parliament has shown its concern to encourage exchanges of young people. The Government fully support the Community's programme of young worker exchanges.
§ Mr. McNair-WilsonHas my right hon. Friend yet been able to give any thought to the form that such service should take? Does he see it as an extension of the young workers' exchange scheme or does he visualise an involvement in certain social projects within the Community?
§ Mr. PriorI think that it is more likely to be an extension of the exchange scheme than anything else. There is not much money available for such a scheme at present. We have to consider our contribution and our returns from the Community much more in terms of what can be done for young people within the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Barry JonesWhat urgent action can the right hon. Gentleman take to halt the shortfall in apprenticeships and apprenticeship redundancies? Is not it likely that there will be an alarming collapse in provision from about 80,000 to 60,000 this year? Does he agree that only the dole waits for one in two school leavers this coming autumn?
§ Mr. PriorThat is rather a wider question. Yes, I am worried about the probable failure to take up apprenticeships this September. As the House will know, the Manpower Services Commission has put proposals to the Government and these are now being considered.