§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for Employment if any plans have been made to generate greater industrial response to the work experience programme; how many youths have participated in the scheme in the Walsall area; and if he is satisfied with the way in which this scheme has been generally operating.
§ Mr. GoldingI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the response from industry to the work experience programme has been good. The programme will be widely advertised as part of the Commission's new programme for unemployed young people in the New Year. A total of 82 youths are known to have participated in the work experience programme in the Walsall area, 54 of these in Walsall, South. I am generally satisfied with the programme and its operation, although we would welcome more offers of places in Walsall. The programme is providing valuable work experience for large numbers of unemployed young people; a total of almost 43,000 young people had participated in the programme by 26th November 1977.