Youth Unemployment (Hansard, 13 July 1983)

§ 1. Dr. Godman
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are his plans to tackle the problem of youth unemployment in Inverclyde.

§ The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Allan Stewart)
My right hon. Friend recognises the difficulties that young people face in trying to obtain work. That is why we are introducing the youth training scheme, which gives an opportunity for all 16-year-old school leavers and some 17-year-olds in Inverclyde, and in Scotland as a whole, to obtain a year of work experience combined with relevant education and training.

§ Dr. Godman
In view of the high incidence of youth unemployment on the lower Clyde and the continuing decline in the number of shipyard apprenticeships open to boys leaving school in Greenock and Port Glasgow, will the Minister use what influence he has with his ministerial colleagues to encourage the placing of defence and other contracts in shipyards on the lower Clyde, particularly at Scott Lithgow, which, as he knows, has a first-class reputation for building and refitting submarines?

§ Mr. Stewart
I appreciate the hon. Gentleman's point on a subject of great importance, on which he spoke with considerable eloquence in his maiden speech. The Government are considering British Shipbuilders' request for aid in the light of the deterioration of its markets. That will be considered in the context of a full review of British Shipbuilders' operations and the Goverrment's European and international obligations.

Mr. Milian
The Government have had the corporate plan of British Shipbuilders since April. When will there be a positive response to it? Is the Minister aware that unless there is a positive response, with emergency and other aid going into the industry, the prospect for youth unemployment in Inverclyde and elsewhere will be disastrous, because already the number of apprentices being taken on this year has been cut to a fraction of the previous intake?

§ Mr. Stewart
The Government are fully apprised of the importance of the shipbuilding industry, as is evidenced by the fact that we have allocated £700 million to British Shipbuilders since 1979. The right hon. 862 Gentleman will, I think, he pleased to learn that so far in Inverclyde 790 youth training scheme places have been identified and that IBM and British Shipbuilders are among the leading employers to support that scheme.

§ Mrs. McCurley
Will my hon. Friend consider extending the youth training scheme to include young people in their late teens who have been excluded so far from any Government sponsored schemes and who have had no work experience?

§ Mr. Stewart
I note what my hon. Friend says. I assure her that all unemployed 16-year-old school leavers will be guaranteed an offer of a place on the youth training scheme. That guarantee is not extended to 17-year-olds, but I expect that there will be sufficient places for unemployed 17-year-old school leavers as well. My hon. Friend will, of course, be aware of the importance of the community programme for those aged 18 and above.