§ 56. Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the latest figures for unemployment on the Isle of Wight; and whether he is satisfied with the efforts of the Manpower Services Commission to provide suitable opportunities for the unemployed 16-to-18-yearolds on the island.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonAt 12 March, the provisional number of people registered as unemployed on the Isle of Wight was 4,376.
I am satisfied with the provision under the youth opportunities programme on the Isle of Wight. In 1979–80 550 young people entered the programme on the island. In the first 10 months of this finacial year provision has increased to allow over 900 young people to take up an opportunity. Detailed plans for 1981–82 have yet to be finalised but provision will be increased to meet the expected demand from unemployed young people.