HC Deb 13 December 1983 vol 50 cc410-1W
Mr. Caborn

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many companies formed since the introduction of the youth training scheme have set up youth training schemes; and what is the amount of money paid to them by the Manpower Services Commission in total.

Mr. Peter Morrison

The information requested is not available.

Ms. Clare Short

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will estimate the numbers of school leavers who are unemployed or on the youth training scheme in (a) Birmingham and (b) the Ladywood constituency.

Mr. Peter Morrison

Of those 16-year-olds who left school in Birmingham 1983 whose whereabouts were known to the careers service in Birmingham on 9 December, 1,575 were unemployed and 5,250 were on the youth training scheme. Figures for the Ladywood constituency were not available.

Mr. Chope

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many places on youth training schemes in the city of Southampton are currently (a) filled and (b) unfilled.

Mr. Peter Morrison

There were 3,070 places available on the youth training scheme in Southampton, including Romsey and Eastleigh, at the end of November, some 1,700 or which were filled.

Mr. Nellist

asked the Secretary of State for Employment, pursuant to the answer of 9 December regarding the £55 million to be saved from the youth training programme, if he will now prepare and publish a regional breakdown of these savings.

Mr. Peter Morrison

No. The information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Nellist

asked the Secretary of State for Employmenthow much has been paid out to date by the Manpower Services Commission on allowances for travel over and above the £4 per week allowed for in the youth training scheme allowance; and what is the total budgeted figure for this expenditure in 1983–84.

Mr. Peter Morrison

[pursuant to his reply, 9 December 1983, c. 285]: The information could not be provided in the form requested except at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Nellist

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the arrangements for the payment of national insurance contributions on behalf of youth training scheme trainees; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Morrison

[pursuant to his reply, 9 December 1983, c. 285]: The £25 allowance paid to trainees on the youth training scheme is a training allowance and as such is exempt from national insurance liabilities. Those trainees who are employees are liable for national insurance contributions on the same basis as other employees.