§ 87. Miss Boothroydasked the Paymaster General what plans he has to increase the level of employment of young people in Sandwell.
§ Mr. LangAn increase in the level of employment of young people in Sandwell will depend on a sustained improvement in the performance of industry, business and the economy as a whole. Our economic policies are designed to create the conditions for that improvement and we are making substantial progress. We also need levels of pay which ensure the competitiveness of our industry.
In 1986–87 two-year YTS will provide 6,941 places in Dudley/Sandwell, with a further 1,397 continuation places being provided for young people who entered training last year. The job prospects of those completing YTS and those ineligible for training will be further enhanced by the new workers scheme.
Those young people who have been unemployed for some time will be able to benefit from temporary employment under the community programme. At June 1986, 4,090 places were available in Dudley/Sandwell and the target is to increase this figure to 4,328 by October this year. Our other employment measures will also directly or indirectly benefit young people.