§ 6. Mr. Ron Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Employment what percentage of young people aged 16 to 24 years, not currently in full-time education, are without full-time, permanent employment at the latest date for which figures are available.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe labour force survey a year ago showed that the approximate percentages were: 46 in full-time employment, seven in other employment, making 53 in all; 20 in full-time education, three in training and employment schemes, making 23; 10 were not seeking work, including those looking after a home or family; and 13 were unemployed seeking work.
§ Mr. DaviesI am grateful to the Minister for that reply. Does he understand what a personal tragedy it is for the third of a million young people who have been out of work for more than one year? Does he appreciate that if the Government intend to bully young school leavers on to youth training schemes there will be massive and widespread opposition? Will he give an assurance that he will undertake realistic and widespread consultations with people who are involved in YTS before the Government take a decision? Will he also undertake, in view of the gravity of the Government's proposals, to arrange for a debate on the Floor of the House before such a scheme is implemented?
§ Mr. BottomleyThe Gentleman will have heard what my hon. Friend the Minister of State has said, and the hon. Gentleman's final question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House. I can say, however, that it is common ground that we must build up the quality of training, encourage people to take that training and ensure that all school leavers get the best possible opportunities to meet the needs for jobs in the future and to create the prosperity on which our future depends.
§ Mr. MadelIf there are to be more courses on computer skills and similar subjects in further education, which means local authorities being involved in more expenditure, will the Government take care to ensure that 146 expenditure which is designed to help young unemployed people will not push local authorities into penalty zones with regard to the rate support grant?
§ Mr. BottomleyI hesitate to answer on behalf of my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Education and Science and for the Environment. I believe that my hon. Friend will recognise that much of what he has been pushing for has led to greater attention being paid to technical and vocational education in and out of school.
§ Mr. WigleyYesterday the Prime Minister said that every 16, 17 and 18-year-old had an opportunity lo go into either training or further education. Does the Under-Secretary of State agree that that is not a real option when many young people going into further education receive a grant of only £200 a year, which, in effect, debars them from obtaining that education?
§ Mr. BottomleyThe hon. Gentleman is encouraging us to do more and to do better. We shall certainly take on board his remarks.
§ Mr. MaplesDoes my hon. Friend agree that one of the best ways of helping to create jobs for the young unemployed and others who are unemployed is to reduce employers' national insurance contributions? That would be a more effective way of helping to create jobs than raising tax thresholds.
§ Mr. BottomleyMy hon. Friend is right, but we need to recognise that employers take part in wage bargaining, and at present wage rates are rising faster than the growth in output or productivity.
§ Mr. AshleyIs the Minister aware that, as many young people are out of work for so long, long-term unemployment is becoming a social cancer? Will the hon. Gentleman ensure that the re-employment of the long-term unemployed is a top Government priority and that the level of long-term unemployment is the main criterion for Government aid?
§ Mr. BottomleyThere is agreement on both sides of the House that trying to create opportunities for the long-term unemployed, whether young or old, to return to employment is a high priority. I welcome the right hon. Gentleman's support.