HC Deb 13 January 1986 vol 89 cc488-90W
Mr. Sheerman

asked the Paymaster General (1) what representations he has received about the need for a national agreement on inter-authority payments for youth training scheme trainees;

(2) what representations he has received about the problems caused by the anomalies in the youth training scheme mode A extra district permit grants; and what steps he is taking to resolve them.

Mr. Trippier

A number of representations have been received about the question of inter-authority payments for young people on the youth training scheme and the related issue of extra district fees. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science hopes to introduce a Bill later this Session providing, inter alia, for an amendment to the existing law on inter-authority recoupment in respect of non-advanced further education. I understand that he is discussing with the local authority associations whether youth training scheme provision should be included within the scope of the Bill; and that the associations are themselves giving consideration to providing national advice for local education authorities on this matter.

Mr. Sheerman

asked the Paymaster General what representations he has received about the problems for youth training scheme trainees who are forced to travel to study certain specialist fields.

Mr. Trippier

I am not aware of any specific representations that have been made to Department of Employment Ministers on this matter. There is no evidence to suggest that the arrangements for the youth training scheme make it difficult for those trainees who have to attend colleges or work placements at a distance from their homes. The scheme aims to provide, wherever possible, suitable local opportunities for all eligible young people. I am satisfied that where these are not available the provision for the payment of travel and lodging costs is adequate.

Mr. Sheerman

asked the Paymaster General what steps are being taken to ease the current problems of youth training scheme trainees studying outside their own regions.

Mr. Trippier

I am not aware of any significant problems affecting trainees who spend all or part of their

Establishments on the wages inspectorate's register
1970 1974 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983
Current Wages Councils
Aerated waters 109 82 62 62 60 61 55 54
Clothing manufacture 1,339 1,174 1,174 934 778 784 718 713
Boot and shoe repairing 349 282 240 230 228 226 204 196
Button manufacturing 10 11 9 8 7 7 9 9
Coffin furniture & cerement making 5 8 8 7 7 7 5 5
Cotton waste reclamation 5 3 1 3 3 3 3 3
Flax & hemp 4 3 1 1
Fur 39 34 36 29 27 27 28 27
General waste materials reclamation 467 412 366 359 353 357 321 308
Hairdressing undertakings 3,846 4,208 3,557 3,397 3,425 3,488 3,264 3,339
Hat, cap & millinery 29 12 18 12 11 11 11 9
Lace finishing —- —- —-
Laundry 139 114 89 79 75 74 63 62
Linen & cotton handkerchiefs 12 10 8 9 8 9 11 8
Made up textiles 36 44 42 44 43 42 41 40
Ostrich & fancy feather 2 2
Perambulator and invalid carriage 3 4 5 3 3 3 4 4
Retail bespoke tailoring 180 168 122 98 95 95 56 49
Rope, twine & net 37 34 30 28 26 23 20 20
Sack & bag 25 25 23 17 14 14 16 16
Toy manufacturing 24 26 39 37 39 43 45 44
Retail trades (non food) 9,082 9,166 9,275 9,100 9,378 9,603 9,262 9,246
Retail food & allied trades 14,666 13,553 12,722 12,339 12,337 12,542 11,648 11,685
Licensed non residential establishment 6,452 6,541 6,581 6,705 6,797 6,898 7,008 7,030
Licensed residential establishment & licensed restaurant 1,055 1,414 1,482 1,674 1,750 1,845 1,882 1,898
Unlicensed place of refreshment 1,889 1,824 1,651 1,576 1,564 1,605 1,360 1,367
Wages Councils abolished since 1970
Road haulage 3,444 3,273 3,132
Industrial staff canteens 3,012 3,033
Hollow ware 2 1
Keg & drum 12 13
Milk distribution 399 367
Paper box 54 51
Stamped or pressed metal wares 12 12
Baking 1,030
Boot & floor polish 3
Brush & broom 38
Hair, bass & fibre 3
Total establishments 47,813 45,914 40,673 36,751 37,028 37,767 36,034 36,132

Mr. McNamara

asked the Paymaster General what were the number of times in the years 1970, 1974, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984 and 1985 when members of the wages inspectorate had checked

training period outside their own region. The provision for payment of travel and lodging costs in such cases is kept under regular review.