Mr. Jim Callaghanasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether the Manpower Services Commission will be 467W empowered to authorise fresh projects after September of the current year so as to respond to the needs of this year's school leavers.
§ Mr. Jim LesterI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the original plans for the youth opportunities programme in 1980–81 will enable between 250,000 and 260,000 young people, including some 160,000 1980 school leavers, to enter the programme.
When the MSC submitted to the Government plans for YOP in 1980–81 it indicated that it might approach the Government again if the average level of unemployment in 1980–81 rose above 1.65 million. If such an approach were made it would be carefully and sympathetically considered. So far this year
Projects sponsored by Private industry Nationalised industries 1977–78 (The Job Creation Programme) … … … … … 500 20 1978–79 (The Special Temporary Employment Programme) … … 100 8 1979–80 (The Special Temporary Employment Programme) … … 60 5