§ Mr. Murphyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will give consideration to the introduction of a form of national community service for school leavers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonI have been asked to reply.
Minimum age school leavers are already guaranteed the offer of a full year's training and work experience under the youth training scheme, and the scheme offers places for 17-year-old leavers as well. In addition, the voluntary projects programme and the opportunities for volunteering scheme run by the Department of Health and Social Security provide opportunities for young people to undertake work of benefit to the community. While all these schemes are kept under regular review, we have no immediate plans to extend the range of measures available.