§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many young people there were in Wales who had left school either at Easter 1988 or summer 1988 who had not obtained work, further education or a place on a YTS scheme by 31 December 1988; and if he will make a statement on the future of the Christmas guarantee.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsInformation on the destination of all school leavers is not available. However, the Government guarantee the offer of a YTS place to all 16 and 17-year-olds not in full-time education or employment whenever they apply; this replaces the "Christmas guarantee".
The new guarantee is effectively being met in Wales and at 12 December 1988 a total of 581 young people were on bridging allowance awaiting a suitable YTS place and 4,221 places remained available at 31 December.