§ Mr. Hunterasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied that the Christmas undertaking under the youth training scheme that all unemployed minimum age school leavers would be offered a place by Christmas has been met; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Tom KingI am very happy to say that the Government's undertaking has been effectively met for the second successive year. There are over 300,000 young people on the youth training scheme and on 3 January only 3,850 youngsters were waiting for the offer of a place. The comparable figure for last year was 4,320.
These results are a tremendous achievement by all concerned — the Manpower Services Commission, the careers service, employers, trade unions, local authorities, colleges and voluntary organisations. Their support for the Government's commitment to training is much appreciated. I am also delighted to see the clear evidence that young people recognise that the youth training scheme offers a real chance to improve the basic skills necessary to compete effectively in the labour market.