HC Deb 28 July 1980 vol 989 cc580-1W
Mr. James Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the employment prospects for young people leaving school in Lanarkshire this coming summer.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

Although the process may take a little longer than in past years, most of the young people leaving school in Lanarkshire this summer can expect to find a job or a place in training or full-time further education over the next few months. For those unable to do so, the Manpower Services Commission has renewed its undertaking to find a place on the youth opportunities programme.

Mr. James Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will bring forward plans for improving the training programme and facilities for the young unemployed and their future prospects.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

The Government have already agreed to expand the Youth Opportunities Programme by about 25 per cent. in the current financial year to provide places for up to 260,000 unemployed young people, 37,000 of them in Scotland. The Government are now discussing with the Manpower Services Commission what more can be done to help the young unemployed.