HC Deb 23 November 1981 vol 13 cc295-6W
Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will now extend the full benefits of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act to those participating in youth opportunities schemes; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alison

Young people on the youth opportunities programme, who are not employees, enjoy the full benefits of the relevant sections of the Health and Safety at Work Act. The Manpower Services Commission is keeping under close review the question of health and safety in regard to the programme.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many (a) males and (b) females are currently on youth opportunities programmes in (i) the North-West, (ii) Merseyside, (iii) Kirkby and (iv) the Ormskirk travel-to-work area; and how many of each found employment after participating in such a scheme, as at the latest available date.

Mr. Alison

At the end of September 1981 there were 50,000 young people on youth opportunities programme schemes in the North-West region. Precise information on filled places below regional level, and on the breakdown by sex of the regional figure, is not available. The latest survey of young people who have been on the programme showed that nationally 26 per cent. of males and 33 per cent. of females went into employment immediately after leaving their schemes. A regional breakdown is not available.