§ Lord Underhillasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will comment on the fact that fewer places have been taken up than originally anticipated in connection with the Youth Community projects, the youth training programme for trainees placed with employers, and under the Youth Training Programme, as set out in the Supplementary Appropriation for Northern Ireland.
Viscount LongAlmost three-quarters of the eligible group of 16 year-old school-leavers took advantage of the guaranteed year of training available to them. This is encouraging, although it shows that a number still choose to remain unemployed rather than preparing themselves for jobs. The position among 17 year-olds is disappointing with over half of the places available remaining unoccupied. The Government are therefore examining how provision for 17 year-olds can be made more attractive and are concentrating the Young Workers' Scheme on 17 year-olds taking up their first job at a realistic wage level, to encourage the employment of that age group.