§ Mr. Canavanasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will take steps to remove financial disincentives to people wishing to continue or re-enter full-time education.
§ Sir Keith JosephI refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to a question from the hon. Member for Workington (Mr. Campbell-Savours) on 7 February, at column 554.
§ Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science to what factors he attributes the fall in the proportion of 16-year-olds in full-time education from 48 per cent. in 1983 to 44 per cent. in the current year.
§ Sir Keith JosephThis year's figures are provisional estimates which reflect a number of factors including the introduction of the youth training scheme and what are widely reported to have been better employment opportunities for young people in some areas. The estimates referred to in the hon. Member's question show a proportionate increase also in the categories that include employed 16-year-olds.