HC Deb 23 March 1981 vol 1 cc225-6W
Dr. David Clark

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will increase the level of payment of young people on youth opportunities programme schemes in order to retain the differentials between such payments and the supplementary and unemployment benefits payable in October 1980.

Mr. Peter Morrison

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Holborn and St. Pancras, South (Mr. Dobson) on 8 December 1980.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will define what is meant by "good quality training for work" as it affects the youth opportunities programme.

Mr. Peter Morrison

In the context of the youth opportunities programme, "good quality training for work" comprises opportunities for trainees to learn and use skills for employment in a practical setting; to gain knowledge and skills relevant to occupational tasks through training; to acquire skills that are important to his or her personal and social development in the adult community; and to have access to competent and practical advice on personal, educational, training and career development. Judgment of quality in individual cases depends on factors such as the maturity and experience of the young person; his or her abilities, skills and potential; and the particular circumatances of the local labour market.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) how many companies in (a) Wolverhampton, (b) the West Midlands and (c) the United Kingdom as a whole have been removed from the youth opportunities programme in the last year because they were using it as a source of cheap labour;

(2) if he is satisfied with the present operation of the youth opportunities programme; and what plans he has to increase monitoring of the schemes;

(3) how many school leavers are currently being supported by the youth opportunities programme; how this compares with the figures for each of the past three years; and what percentage of school leavers this represents in each case.

Mr. Peter Morrison

I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.