HC Deb 09 July 1984 vol 63 cc396-7W
Mr. Ashdown

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what increase there has been, following the provisions of the Education Act 1981 relating to special educational needs, in the proportion of funds allocated to those with special educational needs on the youth training scheme; and what is the relative size of this increase in percentage terms.

Mr. Peter Morrison

The allocation of funds arising from the provisions of the Education Act 1981 is a matter for local education authorities. Youth training scheme funds are allocated on the basis of the needs of all eligible young people.

Mr. Ashdown

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many trainees with special educational needs are currently training within the youth training scheme; and what ratio this represents of the total number of youth training scheme trainees.

Mr. Peter Morrison

The information is not available.

Mr. Ashdown

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what proportion of staff involved in the training and education of youth training scheme trainees with special educational needs has a special needs qualification.

Mr. Peter Morrison

The information is not available.

Mr. Ashdown

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how the Manpower Services Commission defines special educational needs in the context of the youth training scheme.

Mr. Peter Morrison

The identification of young people with special educational needs is the responsibility of local education authorities. All eligible youngsters, including those with special educational needs are entitled to join the youth training scheme and to benefit from the training it provides.

Mr. Sheerman

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what were the number of recorded entrants to the youth training scheme for each month since its inception to the latest available date.

Mr. Peter Morrison

The information requested is given in the following table.

Recorded entrants to YTS*
1983
April 2,773
May 4,403

Recorded entrants to YTS*
June 14,503
July 24,195
August 42,460
September 81,144
October 77,339
November 40,297
December 17,195
1984
January 20,705
February 17,303
March 11,662
April 7,332
May †4,957
* Figures for April and May 1983 are not directly comparable with those for April and May 1984.
† Provisional.