§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has received concerning the reduction of the youth opportunities programme in Liverpool and on Merseyside at the latest date.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonThere is no reduction in the youth opportunities programme in Liverpool or Merseyside and I have received no representations about a reduction.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the youth opportunities programme schemes operating in Liverpool and on Merseyside, respectively, at the latest available date.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonInformation is not available in the form requested. I shall write to the hon. Member enclosing a booklet produced by the Manpower Services Commission in Liverpool which gives information about certain opportunities available.
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§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he has plans to reduce or close down youth opportunities programme schemes in Liverpool.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonThere are plans for the youth opportunities programme in Liverpool, as generally throughout the country, to increase its scale of operation this year. Individual schemes may close down for a variety of reasons, for example if they do not meet the Manpower Services Commission's criteria, or if sponsors decide to reduce their activities.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied with the working of the youth opportunities programme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonWe are satisfied with the working of the youth opportunities programme as it is developed towards the new training scheme for young people, to start in 1983.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied with liaison between the Manpower Services Commission and the voluntary bodies concerning the operation of youth opportunities programme schemes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonWe are satisfied with arrangements for such liaison. Voluntary organisations are represented on the Manpower Services Commission's special programmes board, which exercises general national oversight of the development and operation of the youth opportunities programme. They are also represented on 29 special programmes area boards set up by the commission to plan and supervise the youth opportunities programme in their area.