§ 133. Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on the level of unemployment amongst young people.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government are concerned to see that there are constructive and worthwhile opportunities for young people. By introducing the youth training scheme in 1983 we took a major step to provide young people with better prospects. At a cost of some £800 million a year, the scheme guarantees a place to all unemployed 16-year-old leavers and also offers places to unemployed 17-year-old school leavers, and has helped about 700,000 youngsters already. The value of the training it provides is reflected in the fact that some 60 per cent. of those leaving the scheme get jobs.
More generally, our economic policies are designed to provide the conditions under which industry and commerce can create sustainable jobs.