§ Mr. John Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Wales how many children are expected to leave school in West Glamorgan in each of the school leaving periods in the current year; and what assessment he has made of their employment prospects.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsAbout 5,900 in the academic year 1980–81, of whom some 15 per cent. are expected to leave at or before the end of the Easter term. Employment prospects for these young people, as for other age groups, depend ultimately on the restoration of the health of he national economy which the Government's policies are designed to bring about. But in recognition of the special needs of young people the Government have provided resources for a major expansion of the youth opportunities programme in 1981–82. In West Glamorgan 5,000 opportunities will be available compared with 3,500 in 1980–81.