§ 15. Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will now initiate an inquiry into the operation of the youth opportunities programme.
§ Mr. AlisonNo, Sir. We have recently been carrying out the annual review of the youth opportunities programme and other special employment measures. My right hon. Friend expects to make an announcement by the turn of the year on training measures for the young unemployed, following the consultations on "A New Training Initiative".
§ Mr. HooleyIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the cycle for boys and girls of entering YOP and then going back on the dole queue is creating despair and disillusionment? Would it not be more sensible for the Government, instead of spending that £700 million on various gimmicks, to put that money into projects that would create real jobs on a large scale?
§ Mr. AlisonThe fact that 30 per cent. of YOP trainees enter jobs immediately after leaving training and that a further 12 per cent. go into further education or training, which is almost 50 per cent. altogether, is not sufficient. I agree with the hon. Gentleman about that. However, the young workers' scheme will make a radical difference and secure greater opportunities for youngsters to enter new jobs when it is introduced next month.