§ Sir John Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proportion of young unemployed in the Province is now benefiting from the youth training programme; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Adam ButlerThe youth training programme has got off to an excellent start and the Government's pledge to 16-year-olds—that all those who wished to take advantage of 12 months training would be given a place under the programme—has now been met.
Seventy-nine per cent. of the 16-year-old school leavers who have not yet obtained employment are in full time training, as are 39 per cent. of 17-year-olds without jobs. In the first year of the programme we have concentrated our efforts on the provision of training for those who left school at 16. As this permanent programme develops, it will increasingly include full-time training for 17-year-olds and training for young people in employment. Initiatives will also be taken in improving vocational preparation for young people who have continued at school.