§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many handicapped school leavers received assistance under the youth opportunities programme in its first year of operation; whether there were any eligible handicapped school leavers it was unable to help; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Jim LesterI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that it is not possible to say how many handicapped school leavers entered the youth opportunities programme in the first year.
214WThere are some very severely disabled young people whose needs cannot be met through existing opportunities in the youth opportunities programme, and who can be catered for only through sheltered employment. However, the MSC is not disposed to categorise anyone as unemployable and is currently working at ways of extending its range of provision.