HC Deb 11 May 1998 vol 312 c5W
Dr. Tonge

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the establishment of a statutory base for local authority youth services. [40136]

Dr. Howells

Local authorities have an existing duty under the Education Act 1996 to secure provision of adequate facilities for further education, of which the youth service forms a part. The Green PaperThe Learning Age reaffirmed the Government's commitment to placing the youth service on a stronger footing. A consultation paper on the future of the youth service will be issued later this year.