§ 4. Mr. Ron Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what percentage of youth training scheme places in Wales will be funded under mode A and mode B, respectively, during 1984–85.
§ The Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Nicholas Edwards)I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that in 1984–85 it plans to fund 74 per cent. of the youth training scheme places under mode A and 26 per cent. under mode B.
§ Mr. DaviesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the 30 per cent. reduction that he is requiring the MSC to impose on mode B schemes will mean that 90 highly qualified staff will be sacked in the counties of Mid-Glamorgan and South Glamorgan this month? Is he also aware that last month there were 370 wholly unemployed young people in the Rhymney valley and not one unfilled vacancy? Will the Secretary of State press the MSC to ensure that there is no cut in mode B schemes, at least until the commission is satisfied that adequate alternatives exist under mode A schemes?
§ Mr. EdwardsThe choice is one for the MSC, as I made clear in the Welsh day debate. However, the hon. Gentleman's point would be more effective but for the fact 591 that in Mid-Glamorgan and South Glamorgan there is an increase in the proposed provision of mode B schemes — from 2,491 to 2,520 approved entrants. The hon. Gentleman mentioned the Rhymney valley The ratio there is 56 per cent. mode A to 44 per cent. mode B, because the MSC is clearly taking account of local conditions, Where there is a shortage of employer-led schemes, it is adopting mode B.