HC Deb 06 December 1983 vol 50 cc154-5
13. Mr. Greenway

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many young people were on youth training schemes on 1 September, 1 October and 1 November, respectively; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Morrison

By 1 September, 1 October and 1 November respectively about 86,000, 172,000 and 230,000 youngsters were on the youth training scheme. The response by employers, local authorities and trades unions to the scheme and the number of youngsters now in training are clear indications of the encouraging progress to date.

Mr. Greenway

I warmly welcome the improving figures and congratulate my hon. Friend on achieving them. Will he and his Department go into battle with the Treasury and ascertain whether underspending on the youth training scheme can be transferred to the MSC scheme? As has already been suggested, I believe that the sum outstanding in the current year is £60 million. That would go a long way to achieving the aims of the projected community programme.

Mr. Morrison

My hon. Friend will appreciate that it is always difficult to predict exactly how much money is being spent in a demand-led programme. There were about 284,000 YTS entrants by 1 December. I think that I have already made my position clear about a transfer from the YTS to the community programme.

Mr. Ashley

Why has the Minister downgraded the youth training scheme? He has already told the House that the allowance is intended to meet travelling costs and other expenses and to reflect the benefit of the scheme. However, the allowance is now frozen at £25 while costs are rising. Does this mean that in logic the Government are undervaluing the scheme and downgrading it?

Mr. Morrison

I regret to say that I do not agree with the right hon. Gentleman. We believe £25 to be the right amount for YTS youngsters. If he accompanied me on my visits to many of the schemes he would find that many of the youngsters take exactly the same view. We are considering travelling costs.

Mr. Sheerman

Will the Minister explain why the London undershoot is as high as 48 per cent.? Surely this is a clear indication that the allowance is not enough, especially in high-cost areas.

Mr. Morrison

There is no evidence that the hon. Gentleman's proposition is correct. In fact, the evidence suggests the reverse.