HC Deb 09 December 1981 vol 14 cc409-10W
Mr. Ray Powell

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if the Government will be able to honour their pledge that every young person who left school in the summer of 1981 and is still without employment will be placed in a youth opportunities programme by Christmas.

Mr. Alison

It is still too early to say whether the Christmas undertaking will be met. However, I am confident that all concerned are making every effort to ensure that it is.

Mr. Foster

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what constitutes an offer of a place on the youth opportunities programme.

Mr. Alison

An offer of an opportunity or place on a scheme by a sponsor constitutes an offer of a place on the youth opportunities programme.

However, if a young person, without justifiable reason, refuses to attend an interview for an opportunity, the offer of an interview may be considered to constitute an offer.