HC Deb 02 February 1982 vol 17 cc96-7W
13. Mr. Richard Page

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the sorts of skill training and vocational preparation young people will receive under the youth training scheme.

Mr. Peter Morrison

The Government have asked the commission to give special priority to developing a new and better youth training scheme to be introduced to cover all unemployed minimum age school leavers by September 1983. The five main elements which will be included in the scheme are set out in paragraph 26 of the White Paper "A New Training Initiative—A Programme for Action"—Cmnd. 8455.

17. Dr. Mawhinney

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what responses he has received on his proposals on youth training.

Mr. Peter Morrison

Since my right hon. Friend published the Government's proposals on training on 15 December last, he has received a significant and widespread response which has generally been positive, and welcoming our proposals.

36. Mr. Fox

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what estimates he has made of the weekly cost of each place on the proposed youth training scheme.

Mr. Peter Morrison

Current estimates are that a place on the youth training scheme will cost in the region of £53 a week for minimum age school leavers and £62 a week for older entrants. Excluding the allowance, this is about twice the cost of a place on the current youth opportunities programme and reflects the increased emphasis in the new scheme on training. We have asked the Manpower Services Commission to advise on the level of allowance for the new scheme which is appropriate and can be afforded within the resources available.

Mr. Foster

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will set out the calculations which led to his fixing the proposed allowance for minimum age school leavers entering the youth training scheme at £750.

Mr. Peter Morrison

As the White Paper "A New Training Initiative—A Programme for Action" makes clear, the allowance is mainly to cover travel and other expenses. The precise level will be decided nearer the time in 1983 when the youth training scheme comes into operation, and in the light of MSC advice.