§ 12. Mr. GrahamTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many people have taken up training credits.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythA total of 49,000 young people have taken up training credits and every 16 and 17-year-old will have the opportunity to do so in the course of this Parliament, in line with our manifesto commitment.
§ Mr. GrahamDoes the Secretary of State remember when the House was told that every 16 and 17-year-old would be guaranteed a YTS place? Can the Secretary of State reassure the House that the 8,000 young Scots who cannot get a good training place will get one and restore some hope, some income and some future to the young people whom the Conservative party has totally abandoned?
§ Mr. ForsythI should have thought that the hon. Gentleman would welcome the fact that his constituency has been one of the first to benefit from training credits. If he thinks that nothing is being done in his constituency, I will gladly have the pilot carried out in my constituency instead of his. The hon. Gentleman has a real cheek coming to the House and quoting figures that he knows to be wrong when he and his constituency are benefiting from the Government's ideas.
§ Mr. Bill WalkerDoes my hon. Friend agree that training credits will help young people gain the necessary training and experience for the real world? Their problems can be resolved only in that way and certainly not by loud shouting, which seems to be the only answer that the Opposition have.
§ Mr. ForsythI entirely agree with my hon. Friend. Training credits are a way of increasing choxe for youngsters who are seeking training, help and support. The Government have been the party of choice and have continued to extend choice into every area. Choice should be available for the unemployed and it is a great pity that Opposition Members are not prepared to endorse a programme which will be of great benefit to youngsters the length and breadth of Britain.