§ 17. Mr. Kenneth Carlisleasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many representations he has had from the Amalgamated Union of Engineering Workers and the Engineering Employers Federation on the training content of the youth training scheme.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonNo representations have been received from the Amalgamated Union of Engineering Workers and the Engineering Employers Federation on the training content of the youth training scheme. Both have been involved in discussions about the implementation of the scheme.
§ Mr. CarlisleWill my hon. Friend make certain that the training under the youth training scheme is compatible with the first year of the apprentice engineering scheme, and is he satisfied that he can adequately monitor the quality of training under those schemes, because there is concern on both counts?
§ Mr. MorrisonI assure my hon. Friend that, as this is a quality training scheme, we shall ensure that training is properly monitored. As to the first part of his question, that is for the industry itself, but I hope that further apprenticeships can be built on the youth training scheme.
§ Mr. Alexander W. LyonAs the Government have destroyed 2.5 million jobs—more than any Government since the war—why is the word "voluntary" used when those on the youth training scheme are told they can join the armed forces and serve in what is really conscription?
§ Mr. MorrisonThe hon. Gentleman is well aware, because the youth opportunities programme was introduced by the Government of which he was a member, that it is voluntary and will remain so.