§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will introduce separate funding for youth training scheme mode A schemes and youth training scheme mode B schemes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsWith the introduction of the two year youth training scheme, the present separate arrangements for funding mode A and mode B schemes will be replaced by a more flexible and cost effective system under which all training providers will receive a managing agent's fee as well as a basic grant £160 per trainee per month. Many current mode B providers will also be eligible for an additional premium of £110 per trainee per month for those offering places for disadvantaged young people or in areas where there is a shortage of employer led provision. There will also be transitional funding for those presently running mode B schemes.
§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received from managers and staff who operate the youth training scheme mode B scheme regarding future ex-mode B schemes funding; how many mode B schemes are currently operating in the North East Wales institute; how many information technology centres operate in (i) North Wales and (ii) Wales; if he has assessed the impact upon the future of information technology centres of new youth training scheme funding policies; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsWe have received two representations about the future of mode B schemes in Wales under the expanded youth training scheme. There are four mode B schemes wholly operated by the North East Wales institute and one scheme in which the institute is a cosponsor.
There are 12 information technology centres operating in Wales, of which four are in North Wales. The Manpower Services Commission is currently considering the future funding and development of these centres within the new scheme.