HC Deb 23 November 1982 vol 32 c692
3. Mr. Needham

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied with the progress of the new training initiative.

The Under-Secretary of State for Employment (Mr. Peter Morrison)

To date, yes, Sir.

Mr. Needham

Will my hon. Friend congratulate the CBI on the tremendous efforts that it has made to find sufficient places for young people under the NTI? Is he satisfied that industry and commerce will be capable of finding suitable opportunities for the vast majority of young people next September?

Mr. Morrison

I assure my hon. Friend that I congratulate the CBI constantly on what it has done to encourage industrialists and men of commerce to come forward as sponsors of the youth training scheme. By 1 September next year we shall have enough schemes, and I shall be satisfied.

Mr. Barry Jones

Is there not a glaring deficiency when tens of thousands of 17-year-olds are not likely to be included in the scheme? Does not the scheme emphasise the plight of the long-term unemployed aged between 20 and 25? Is it not time that the Government provided a chance for the House to debate this important scheme?

Mr. Morrison

We hope to be able to accommodate unemployed 17-year-olds. For the 20 to 25 age group, the community programme can help. The question of a debate is for my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House and the right hon. Member for Deptford (Mr. Silkin) the Shadow Leader of the House.

Several Hon. Members

rose—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I remind the House that we shall make greater progress if hon. Members who are called to put supplementary questions ask only one. This will enable other hon. Members to be called.