§ Mr. Kenneth Carlisleasked the Secretary of State for Employment what recommendation he has received from the Manpower Services Commission concerning the allowance payable to trainees under the youth training scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TebbitThe chairman of the Manpower Services Commission has informed me that at its meeting on 23 June the commission agreed by a majority to recommend that the allowance payable to trainees under the youth training scheme should be increased, with the costs found from within existing provision. The commission was unable to agree as to the amount of any increase which it should recommend.
I have indicated to the commission that the allowance could be increased only by excluding some youngsters 26W from the scheme, reducing the quality of training or asking employers and other sponsors to put in more money of their own, and that I have therefore decided that the allowance should remain at £25.
I have, however, accepted the commission's unanimous recommendation that the arrangements for reimbursing travel expenses over £4 a week and for those in lodgings or residential provision should continue as at present.