§ Mr. Ray Powellasked the Secretary of State for Wales what progress has been made by the Manpower Services Commission in Wales in providing places in the youth opportunities programme.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that there has been a good response to its recent publicity campaign for sponsors. Overall, more young people are able to participate in the programme. For 1980–81 as a whole the expectation is that about 27,000 young people will have entered the programme compared with about 21,000 in 1979–80. The programme is to be substantially expanded in 1981–82 and funds have been made available to provide for 42,000 to 43,000 young people to enter the programme.