§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Employment why the number of mode B places in the youth training scheme in the London borough of Brent has been reduced from 301 to 249; if he will publish in the Official Report the percentage increase in the number of unemployed school leavers in each of the last five years in Brent; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonThe number of mode B 1 places in the youth training scheme in Brent is being reduced from 301 to 239 to reflect more closely the demand for this type of provision. At the end of March 1984 there were 335W 180 young people in training on mode B1 schemes in Brent. We are confident that there will be sufficient Youth Training Scheme places in Brent in the coming year to meet the needs of all eligible youngsters.
The following table gives the percentage change in the number of unemployed school leavers aged under 18 years in the Kilburn, Wembley and Willesden jobcentre areas, which correspond closely to the London borough of Brent. March figures have been used as Easter school leavers are included in some April counts, but not in others. Because of the change in the basis of the unemployment count in October 1982, it is not possible to give the percentage change between March 1982 and March 1983.
Percentage change Rgistered unemployed March 1979 to March 1980 +26.4 March 1980 to March 1981 +195.5 March 1981 to March 1982 +96.6 Unemployed claimants March 1983 to March 1984 –3.2