HC Deb 23 January 1984 vol 52 cc429-30W
Mr. Boyes

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) how many people are taking part in the youth training scheme in the northern region; and what percentage is handicapped;

(2) how many people are taking part in the youth training scheme in the Houghton and Washington travel-to-work areas; and how many are handicapped;

(3) how many people are taking part in the youth training scheme in Great Britain; and what percentage is handicapped.

Mr. Peter Morrison

The information is not available in the precise form requested. The table below provides the total number of young people in training on the youth training scheme, and the number of disabled young people recorded as having entered the scheme, as at the end of December 1983.

Total number of entrants to end December 1983 Entrants to YTS recorded as disabled
MSC South Tyne Area Office* 6,204 17
Northern RegionGreat Britain 23,265 102
Great Britain 304,309 1,899
* Covers Gateshead, Sunderland and South Tyneside.

Mr. Ron Davies

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether (a) careers officers and (b) youth training scheme tutors are required to provide information to the unemployment benefit office concerning the refusal of a young person to take up or continue a youth training scheme placement.

Mr. Peter Morrison

Under the Employment and Training Act 1973 responsibility for reporting to the unemployment benefit service people who have refused or failed to avail themselves of youth training scheme courses rests with the careers service and jobcentres.

Mr. Sheerman

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will issue a further circular giving guidance to the Manpower Services Commission and managing agents for youth training schemes on how to handle trainees who take time off to lobby Parliament.

Mr. Peter Morrison

I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.