§ Mr. Guy Barnettasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many courses at colleges of further education administered by the Inner London Educational Authority are sponsored currently by the Manpower Services Commission; how many students are following (a) full-time courses; and what plans he has to reduce the number of these courses during the academic years 1980–81 and 1981–82.
§ Mr. Jim LesterI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that there are 50 exclusive courses for adults under the training opportunities scheme (TOPS) in colleges of further education administered by the Inner London Educational Authority (ILEA). There are an additional 21 courses partially supported through TOPS. All courses supported by the training opportunities scheme are full time. The number of full-time completions in ILEA in the current year is expected to be approximately 1,800. In 1980–81 this figure is expected to fall to 1,450. During 1981–82 there is expected to be a further reduction to about 1,300.
The youth opportunities programme has a number of full-time courses for young people of 16 years to 19 years of age running in colleges within the ILEA area. It is not possible to provide 392W an estimate of the number of young people entering these courses in the coming year since courses are tailored to demand. However, at present there are some 18 courses in progress at 10 colleges of further education providing approximately 320 college based places. These courses run approximately three times a year. There are no plans to make any cuts in this provision and in some districts more courses may be introduced.
The youth opportunities programme also has a number of part-time places spread across colleges of further education in ILEA used by young people on the work experience element of YOP for day release. The numbers of these young people fluctuate throughout the year. It is the policy of the special programmes division's youth opportunities programme to encourage more young people on work experience to make use of these facilities. There are no plans to make any cuts in the programme.