HC Deb 04 April 1985 vol 76 cc771-2W
Mr. Sheerman

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how the gross cost of the expansion of the youth training scheme in 1986–87 and 1987–88 is calculated; and what estimates have been made of the number and average cost of the additional mode A, mode B1 and mode B2 places required.

Mr. Peter Morrison

The total cost of the new youth training scheme will depend on the outcome of the consultations which the Manpower Services Commission are carrying out. The Government are prepared to provide £125 million in 1986–87 and £300 million in 1987–88 in addition to spending on the existing scheme, subject to the satisfactory outcome of those consultations. We are looking to employers, who stand to gain a great deal from this development in our training arrangements, to pay their fair share as well. The number and average cost of additional places, and the funding and administrative arrangements will also depend on the outcome of those consultations.

Mr. Sheerman

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the estimated net cost of the expansion of the youth training scheme in 1986–87 and 1987–88; how the estimate is calculated; and what estimates have been made of the amount saved by the abolition of the young workers scheme, the number of young people who would have been covered by the scheme in each year and the average sum saved per person, and of the number of 16 and 17-year-olds in each year who will cease to claim supplementary benefit as a result of the expansion of the youth training scheme, the average sum saved per person, and the total sum saved on benefit in each year.

Mr. Peter Morrison

I will write to the hon. Member shortly.

Mr. Sheerman

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will give his best estimate of the proportion of the rise in youth unemployment since 1979 that can be attributed to the three factors cited in the White Paper "Employment: The Challenge for the Nation," Cmnd. 9474, namely the general shortage of jobs, the high relative pay of young people, and the disadvantages of those who missed the big expansion of youth training since 1983, paragraph 3.11.

Mr. Peter Morrison

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