§ Mr. Hefferasked the Secretary of State for Employment why some private agencies which have received cash assistance to help train young people in skills in Merseyside are now being refused that aid and what opportunities he is providing for youth employment.
§ Mr. Jim Lester[pursuant to his reply, 30 July 1980, c. 675]: I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that this year it plans to provide 27,350 opportunities for young people in Merseyside under the youth opportunities programme. This compares with a total of 23,550 young people in Merseyside who were helped by the Programme last year. Those school leavers who do not obtain permanent jobs will be offered a place in the programme by Easter 1981, and young people remaining unemployed for 12 months will be offered a place in the programme within three months. If the hon. Gentleman has in mind a particular agency from which public funds have been withdrawn I would be happy to look into the matter.