HC Deb 09 June 1986 vol 99 cc15-6
15. Mr. Ron Davies

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many job vacancies for young people presently exist in Wales.

Mr. Wyn Roberts

There are approximately 11,000 current job vacancies registered at jobcentres and careers offices and these are believed to represent only about a third of the total number of vacancies available. Information held centrally does not specify whether there are age restrictions on particular vacancies.

Mr. Davies

Does the Minister accept that if he were to take the trouble to find the exact figures he would realise that there are virtually no job opportunities for young people, especially in south Wales? Does he understand that this is in stark contrast to the propaganda that he and his colleagues in the Welsh Office keep trotting out week after week?

Mr. Wyn Roberts

I think that it is the hon. Gentleman who is trotting out propaganda. There are jobs available for young people in south Wales. It is estimated that about 49 per cent. of young people who go on the YTS are found to have jobs three months after leaving the scheme. There has been an extension of the YTS and a number of relevant announcements were made in the Budget statement, including the extension of the enterprise allowance scheme and the introduction of the new workers scheme, both of which will be helpful to young people.