HC Deb 12 July 1977 vol 935 cc84-5W
30. Mrs Bain

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a further statement on youth unemployment.

Mr. Booth

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to similar Questions earlier today.

36. Mr. MacGregor

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the anticipated total cost of Government measures to deal with youth unemployment in the next 12 months following the Holland Report, as compared with total costs in the 12 months previously.

Mr. Golding

The new youth opportunities programme will be in full operation by September 1978 when, together with community industry, it will cost about £160 million gross a year. This figure does not include any provision for special measures to support training in industry for which £46 million has been allocated for the 1977–78 training year. The annual cost of present measures for young people is estimated to be about £110 million.

40. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the estimated reduction in youth employment expected in the next 12 months as a result of his recent measures to alleviate the problem.

Mr. Golding

I am afraid that it is not possible to make precise estimates, but the objective of the new youth opportunities programme is to provide, by September 1978, 130,000 places in work preparation or work experience courses for young people who would otherwise be unemployed.