§ Dr. Hampsonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will issue a circular to all local education authorities urging them to contact firms in their areas regarding employment and training opportunities so that school leavers can be made fully ayare of whatever opportunities exist during the present jobs situation; and if he will make a statement about his plans to assist school leavers this summer.
§ Mr. John FraserI have been asked to reply.
The measures suggested are part of the standard procedure followed every year by officers of the careers service provided by local education authorities; and careers officers will give school leavers all possible help in finding employment.
The manpower Services Commission is also giving urgent consideration to possible ways of improving employment and training opportunities for young people and on 2nd July announced a scheme to assist school leavers, sandwich course students, and redundant apprentices. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has alocated £50 million to the commission for use over the next two years in developing employment and training programmes, including those designed to help young people.