HC Deb 29 April 1986 vol 96 c355W
Mr. Lawler

asked the Prime Minister how many YTS trainees are currently on a scheme with a Government Department or a sponsored non-departmental public body, listed by Department; and how many two-year places they have provided.

The Prime Minister

The number of places available on the YTS within the Civil Service in November 1985, the latest available date, was as follows:

Places
Ministry of Defence 875
Departments of the Environment and Transport 30
Home Office 5
Inland Revenue 12
Ordnance Survey 25
Property Services Agency 30
Scottish Office 30
Department of Trade and Industry 39

There are no two-year programmes currently running in the Civil Service. In addition to the above, some Departments offer work experience places to young people on YTS schemes operated by other managing agents, and sponsored non-departmental bodies offer an estimated 400 places on YTS either as managing agent or as placement providers.

Mr. Lawler

asked the Prime Minister if she will make a statement regarding negotiations between her office, the Manpower Services Commission and trade unions concerning the creation of wider opportunities for young people to train with a Government Department through YTS.

The Prime Minister

In November 1983 the Cabinet Office (Management and Personnel Office) concluded with the Council of Civil Service Unions a national framework agreement for the operation of the youth training scheme within the Civil Service. Two-year YTS has not changed this formal position, and that agreement still stands. None the less, and despite there being some 1,000 places available on YTS now, progress on promoting YTS in the Civil Service at large has been severely limited by the opposition of some Civil Service trade unions, mainly at local and departmental levels. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment, my right hon. and learned Friend the Paymaster General and my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Privy Council Office are seeking by every means possible to remove this impasse to the full implementation of an existing agreement.

Forward to