§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Employment what he estimates to be the net cost of Her Majesty's Government's new training programme for unemployed 16-year-old school leavers, after taking account of savings in supplementary benefit in 1981–82, 1982–83 and 1983–84, respectively.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonThe new youth training scheme comes into operation in 1983, and the youth opportunities programme continues until then.
The estimated cost of the youth opportunities programme, after taking into account savings in supplementary benefits, will be £276 million in 1981–82 and £509 million in 1982–83.
However, taking into account increased National Insurance contributions, direct and indirect taxes paid by adult employees on the programme, and increased indirect taxes paid by participants in the programme, the overall net cost of the programme is estimated at £236 million in 1981–82 and £431 million in 1982–83.
It is not possible to give similar figures for the new youth training scheme in 1983–84 because details of the scheme have not been finally decided.