§ Miss Joan Lestorasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will ensure equal opportunities for girls as provided for under section 47 of the Sex Discrimination Act when the new youth training scheme is introduced.
§ Mr. Alison:The Manpower Services Commission is committed to the principle of equal opportunities for girls within the youth training scheme. The youth training board, which the commission has set up to exercise general oversight of the scheme, will as part of its remit advise on measures to ensure that equal opportunities are provided to young people of both sexes. There will be no impediment to training bodies undertaking positive action under the scheme in the circumstances set out under section 47 of the Act if this is appropriate.