§ Mr. Peter Millsasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many persons are currently being assisted under the Employment Services Agency fares-to-work scheme in the Torrington area of Devon.
§ Mr. John GrantNone.
§ Mr. Peter Millsasked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps are 762W being taken to reduce unemployment among young people in the Torrington area of Devon.
§ Mr. GoldingYoung people in Torrington, as elsewhere, have benefited under the wide range of special measures which the Government have introduced to alleviate unemployment. Precise figures are not available in respect of the Torrington area, but in the Bideford area as a whole nine projects have been approved under the job creation scheme providing 68 jobs, of which about half have been taken up by young people; 51 schemes have been supported under the work experience programme, with some 67 young people participating, and the employment of 44 young people has been assisted under the youth employment subsidy.
My right hon. Friend announced on 29th June a new youth opportunity programme, which will offer a range of opportunities for training and work experience which can be adapted to individual needs. Resources are to be allocated between areas in proportion to the level of youth unemployment so that areas with the most severe problems will benefit accordingly.