§ Mr. Harold Walkerasked the Secretary of State for Defence if written parental approval will be required before a person under the age of 18 years can be admitted to the armed forces youth training scheme.
§ Mr. WigginYes.
§ Mr. Harold Walkerasked the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements will apply to participants in the armed forces youth training scheme in respect of holidays and weekend travel to home.
§ Mr. WigginTrainees will receive the same leave as their regular counterparts. Concessions on weekend travel have yet to be finalised.
§ Mr. Harold Walkerasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he intends that the status of participants in the armed forces youth training scheme will be such that the provisions of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 will apply to them.
§ Mr. WigginThe status of participants in the armed services youth training scheme with regard to the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 will be the same as that of other service men.
§ Mr. Harold Walkerasked the Secretary of State for Defence at which establishments training will be provided for participants in the armed forces youth training scheme.
§ Mr. WigginThis will depend upon vacancies within the training establishments at the time of application and the aptitudes of the youngsters who apply.
§ Mr. Harold Walkerasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will take steps to exempt trainees participating in the armed forces youth training scheme from the provisions of the Crown Proceedings Act 1974.
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§ Mr. WigginNo. Youth training scheme trainees will be members of the armed forces and will carry out similar duties.
§ Mr. Harold Walkerasked the Secretary of State for Defence what will be the total cost to public funds of the armed forces youth training scheme; and how much of this will come from funds already allocated to the Manpower Services Commission.
§ Mr. WigginThe net cost to public funds of the armed services youth training scheme over a full year will be about £18 million. Of this the Ministry of Defence will make a direct contribution in respect of food and accommodation of about £1 million. The balance of the cost will be available to the Ministry of Defence from moneys earmarked for the youth training scheme.