HC Deb 08 February 1983 vol 36 cc862-3
2. Mr. Allen McKay

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many young people under 19 years of age are available for work in the Yorkshire and Humberside region; and what percentage this is of the age group in that region.

The Minister of State, Department of Employment (Mr. Michael Alison)

At October 1982, the latest date for which an analysis by age is available, there were 46,402 unemployed claimants under 19 years of age in the Yorkshire and Humberside region. Percentage rates of unemployment by age are not available below national level.

Mr. McKay

Does the Minister accept that that is deplorable? In both Penistone and Barnsley there are 1,706 young people unemployed, and 2,784 in Sheffield, with thousands more in temporary employment chasing about 189 jobs. In those circumstances, will the Minister consider Sheffield's scheme to create 1,000 jobs? Will the right hon. Gentleman also ask his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry to consider giving assisted area status to both those areas?

Mr. Alison

I agree that one unemployed youngster who wants work is one too many. The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that there is the prospect of between 45,000 and 50,000 places on the youth training scheme, which is encouraging when one considers the figures that I quoted earlier. The 1,000 jobs could come through the community programme. I hope that the Sheffield city council and other councils in the region will back that programme.

Mr. Harold Walker

Will the Minister confirm that applicants for the youth training scheme will have access to places in Government offices in Yorkshire and Humberside, or does the Prime Minister's ban still apply to those areas of possible training?

Mr. Alison

I know of no such ban.