§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what action he is taking to reduce unemployment in Clwyd; and what(a) job creation schemes and (b) training schemes he (i) has initiated in the last five years and (ii) will initiate.
§ Mr. RedwoodUnemployment in Clwyd, as elsewhere in Wales, is falling as the recovery proceeds. In the past five years, the strategic development scheme has been initiated by the Welsh Office while the Welsh Development Agency has participated in a number of regeneration schemes with the local authorities in the area. For 1994–95 and 1995–96, nearly £11 million has been allocated under the strategic development scheme to projects to promote economic development and job creation in Clwyd. The WDA's contribution to the urban and rural regeneration initiatives in which it is involved will amount to around £4 million in 1994–95.
Over the past five years, the North East Wales training and enterprise council has provide a wide range of services to help unemployed people back to work.
Significant measures introduced in the last five years include modern engineering apprenticeships and youth credits.
In 1995–96, modern apprenticeships will be supported in other occupational sectors and a new programme of accelerated modern apprenticeships will be aimed primarily at 18 and 19-year-old college leavers.
Regional selective assistance continues to make a significant contribution to creating and safeguarding jobs in Clwyd. Over the past five years, over 150 offers have been accepted which are forecast to create or safeguard almost 11,000 jobs.
§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how he proposes to tackle long-term unemployment in Alyn and Deeside.
§ Mr. RedwoodLong-term unemployment, like unemployment generally, is falling as the recovery proceeds. A number of specific measures are in place to assist people who have been unemployed for more than a year to get back to work. These include training for work and restart.
§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals he has to get people aged 25 years and under into work and out of long-term unemployment.
§ Mr. RedwoodA wide range of support is available to unemployed people under the age of 25. This includes training and practical help in finding work. All 16 and 17-year-olds who are not in full-time education or employment are guaranteed the offer of a suitable youth training place. Recent surveys have shown that 71 per318W cent. of young people who completed their training go into jobs or further education and training. Training opportunities for young people are being extended through modern apprenticeships and accelerated apprenticeships. Priority for recruitment under the training for work programme is now given to young people under the age of 25 who have never worked. Finally, the Employment Service offers a range of opportunities to help unemployed people into work including client advice, community action, job interview guarantee, jobclubs and work trials.