§ Q68. Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on the current level of unemployment amongst young people.
§ The Prime MinisterAbout 263,000 young people under the age of 18 are currently unemployed.
The Government's special measures programme is directed particularly at this age group. From September 1983 no 16-year-old school leaver need be unemployed, since those unable to find work will be offered either continued education or a place on the youth training scheme. The resources available for the scheme should also be sufficient to cover all unemployed 17-year-old school leavers.
The creation of more jobs will in large part depend on increasing the competitiveness of British industry.