§ 35. Mr. Haselhurstasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a progress report on the youth opportunities scheme.
39. Mr. loan Evansasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a progress report on the youth opportunity programme.
§ Mr. Golding:I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that from 1st April 1978 to the end of October approximately 71,400 places were created under the youth opportunities programme. Some 62,000 young people had joined the programme by the end of October, and an analysis shows that in the first six months of the programme's operation 74 per cent. of those joining the programme were school leavers. In addition to the places available under the youth opportunities programme there are currently 5,500 places available under community industry.
A review of the youth opportunities programme is currently under way and is expected to have been completed by the end of the year. I will make a statement about this review in due course.