§ 22. Mr. Burtasked the Paymaster General how many youngsters have now been through the youth training scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ 56. Sir William van Straubenzeeasked the Paymaster General by what date he expects 1 million young people to have taken part in the youth training scheme.
§ 74. Mrs. Virginia Bottomleyasked the Paymaster General if he will make a statement on the number of young people who have participated in the youth training scheme.
§ Mr. TrippierMore than 1 million young people have entered the youth training scheme since it started in April 1983.
The success of the scheme is due in large measure to the active involvement of all the parties who have contributed much in the past two and a half years—large and small companies, trade unions, local authorities, voluntary organisations, the education and careers services, the Manpower Services Commission and, most 182W importantly, young people themselves. This co-operative effort provides a firm foundation for the expansion and development of YTS, to provide two years' training and the opportunity to obtain a vocational qualification, from next April.
§ 32. Mr. Sheermanasked the Paymaster General when he will next meet the chairman of the Manpower Services Commission to discuss the youth training scheme.
§ Mr. TrippierI frequently discuss the progress and development of the youth training scheme with the chairman of the Manpower Services Commission.
§ 33. Mr. Woodasked the Paymaster General how many youngsters will be able to participate in the youth training scheme each year after April 1986.
§ Mr. TrippierWe estimate that around 360,000 young people will enter the youth training scheme in 1986–87, and a similar number in 1987–88. It is too early to make forecasts for subsequent years.
§ 35. Mr. Strangasked the Paymaster General how far the plans for a two-year youth training scheme are advanced; and if he will make a statement.
§ 52. Mr. James Lamondasked the Paymaster General if he is satisfied with the progress towards development of the two-year youth training scheme.
§ Mr. TrippierDetails of the main funding and administration arrangements of the new two-year youth training scheme, which is to commence next April, have been agreed and announced, and Manpower Services Commission staff are currently discussing with potential training providers how they might be involved in the new scheme. I am satisfied with progress so far.
This is a major initiative, which will benefit employers and young people themselves. It is in everyone's interest that it succeeds.
§ 43. Mr. Hancockasked the Paymaster General what advice he will give to local authorities which run Mode B youth training schemes with voluntary organisations on how they should cover the cash shortfall that will result from the proposed changes in the youth training scheme.
§ Mr. TrippierThe financial arrangements for the new youth training scheme provide a good basis for local authorities and voluntary organisations taking out new contracts. The cirumstances of individual providers can differ substantially. Providers in need of advice should discuss their calculations with the Manpower Services Commission's area office.