§ 4. Mr. Roger EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what progress he has made in establishing a youth agency for Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Minister of State, Welsh Office (Sir Wyn Roberts)I am pleased to announce that the Wales Youth Agency was established with effect from 1 April this year. The appointment of Mr. Gerald Davies as chairman and Dr. Howard Williamson as vice-chairman was announced on 16 March. Other appointments will be made shortly.
The agency is the successor body to the Wales youth work partnership. It is funded by the Welsh Office under 5 the powers conferred by the Education Act 1944. It is expected to be fully operational by the autumn. Its grant in 1992–93 will be about £360,000.
§ Mr. EvansWill my right hon. Friend assist us with an outline of the functions of this agency and what he sees as its principal purposes?
§ Sir Wyn RobertsThe agency will have three main functions. The first is to secure an effective partnership between all the agencies involved in youth work. Secondly, it will provide training for youth workers and ensure that they are well informed. Its third function will be to ensure that the aspirations of Welsh youth are expressed, and realised if possible. The ultimate aim of the agency will be to improve the quality of life for our young people.
§ Mr. Llew SmithWhat proportion of the youths who are now leaving school are finding employment in Wales?
§ Sir Wyn RobertsAbout 61 per cent. of our young people do not leave school and go to work, partly because we encourage them to stay on at school as we want them to receive further education and training. As for those who go on to training, I can assure the hon. Gentleman that a significant proportion leave training to go to work in due course.