§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what consideration she has given to the working party report on youth and community in the 1970s.
§ Mr. St. John-StevasThe hon. Member is presumably referring to the report of the Youth Service Development Council "Youth and Community Work in the 70s" published in 1969. In a written answer on 29th March 1971 my right hon. Friend stated the Government's views on the report's recommendations. In brief, the Government considered that the youth service should continue on its present general basis; that there should be reasonable latitude in interpreting the age limits for the service—14 to 20; that the needs of young school leavers in deprived areas should have special attention; that the Youth Service Development Council, having completed its allotted task, should be wound up; and that the system of Government grant aid should be reviewed.
§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans she has to provide more training courses for youth leaders so as to provide an adequate supply of trained workers for the youth service.
§ Mr. St. John-StevasThe Department is currently formulating proposals about which the relevant organisations in the youth service field will be consulted.
§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) if she will make a statement on her policy towards the future development of the youth service;
532W(2) what advice she gives local authorities about the role of the youth service in the system of further education.
§ Mr. St. John-StevasLocal education authorities discharge their duties under Section 41 (6) of the Education Act 1944 in differing ways and my right hon. Friend's advice relates mainly to matters concerned with grant aid. She has frequently explained that she does not think it right to seek a uniform approach to provision whose strength rests substantially on its flexibility and diversity.
The Government will continue to encourage and support this service.
§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what role she envisages for the National Youth Bureau in the development of the youth service.
§ Mr. St. John-StevasMy right hon. Friend has approved this development in principle but the bureau has not yet been established in legal form. As the Youth Service Information Centre, its main functions are information and the provision of help with training, research and experiment. The Charity Commission is now considering proposals for the development and expansion of these functions.