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Departmental Publications
Mr. Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment by what means his Department makes available its publications in (a) Braille, (b) audio tape and (c) large print; and how this is publicised. [1681]
Dr. Howells: The Department produces several of its information leaflets and booklets in Braille, on audio tape and in large print. The majority are unpriced and are available from the Department's mailing houses on request. The priced ones are available from The Stationery Office.
The availability of Braille, audio tape and large print is normally publicised by a reference in the standard printed version of the publication along with a telephone number for those wishing to place orders. We also send specimen copies to organisations representing blind people for wider dissemination.
Unemployment (Young People)
Mr. Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many persons aged 16 to 18 years are not in employment, full-time education or on Government programmes. [1648]
Dr. Howells: In Autumn 1996, there were 300,000 16 to 18 year olds not in employment, full-time education or on government programmes in the UK, according to the Labour Force Survey.
Equal Opportunities Commission
Valerie Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans the Government have to review the role and function of the Equal Opportunities Commission. [2023]
Mr. Andrew Smith:
Against the background of this Government's firm commitment to equal opportunities and the practice of quinquennial policy and financial management reviews of non-departmental public bodies, the Department will conduct a thorough review of the Equal Opportunities Commission during 1997-98. The first stage of the review will take the form of a "prior options" study with the following terms of reference:
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This study is now underway and I would welcome comments from interested parties. Comments, which may be made public unless respondents specifically request otherwise, should be sent, by 4 July, to:
1. To review the functions of the Equal Opportunities Commission, the effectiveness with which they have been carried out and the likely need in future for these functions.
2. To consider the case for the continued existence of the Equal Opportunities Commission and how its functions can be best fulfilled.
3. To consider the powers, constitutional status, membership and terms of reference of the Equal Opportunities Commission.
4. The review will have regard to the Government's equal opportunities policies and to the duties of the Commission as laid down in statute.
5. To report the outcome of the review by 11 September 1997.
Jane Anderson
Divisional Manager
Sex and Race Equality Division
Department for Education and Employment
Room 401
Caxton House
Tothill Street
London SW1H 9NF.
Modern Apprenticeships
Mr. Clapham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many young people are currently undertaking modern apprenticeships; what is his assessment of the contribution of the scheme to redressing the skills balance; and what plans he has for its further extension. [1698]
Dr. Howells [holding answer 2 June 1997]: In February 1997 (the latest date for which figures are available), there were 76,300 young people in training on Modern Apprenticeships.
The initiative is making a vital contribution to raising skills. Evaluation studies have consistently shown that Modern Apprenticeships are highly popular, of high quality, and are meeting the expectations of both employers and young people.
We want to sustain and build on this success and intend to develop Modern Apprenticeships in every sector where there is a demand. There are currently 69 frameworks approved with a further 10 expected in the next 12 months. There is every sign that employers' demand for Modern Apprentices will continue to grow and we and Training and Enterprise Councils will consider how best to respond to that demand.
Development Orders
Mr. Llew Smith:
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to review planning policy in
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Wales in regard to the existence of outstanding interim development orders; and if he will list the non-time limited planning permissions currently in force. [857]
Mr. Win Griffiths:
My right hon. Friend and I currently have no plans to review outstanding interim development orders in Wales. There are no non-time limited mineral planning permissions currently in force.
Mr. Alan Williams:
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the need for changes in the role of the National Audit Office in relation to public expenditure in Wales in the event of Welsh devolution. [1090]
Mr. Ron Davies:
A Welsh Assembly would be subject to rigorous standards of audit and accountability. We will set out our detailed proposals on these and other matters in the White Paper to be published in the summer.
Mr. Williams:
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will ensure that all departmental expenditure in support of the Government's campaign for devolution is separately identified. [1087]
Mr. Davies:
All Welsh Office publicity expenditure related to the proposals for a Welsh Assembly will be separately identifiable.
Mr. Barry Jones:
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will visit farms engaged in beef production in Alyn and Deeside. [1305]
Mr. Win Griffiths:
My right hon. Friend and I hope to visit farms across Wales when the opportunity arises.
Mr. Jones:
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will raise problems faced by beef farmers in Alyn and Deeside with EU officials; and if he will make a statement. [1307]
Mr. Griffiths:
My right hon. Friend and I will ensure that the interests of farmers throughout Wales are considered when we prepare for such meetings.
Mr. Barry Jones:
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects both the new River Dee Bridge and Connah's Quay to be open to traffic. [1301]
Mr. Hain:
Flintshire County Council are responsible for this scheme. They estimate completion late this year.
Mr. Rowlands:
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what is his estimate of the real level of unemployment in (a) Merthyr Tydfil and Ryhmney and (b) Wales; [1231]
Mr. Hain:
The Office for National Statistics is currently conducting a public consultation on labour market statistics. I welcome this review because I am
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extremely concerned at the high levels of joblessness in Wales not measured by the claimant count. I will write to my hon. Friend when the review is concluded.
Mr. Barry Jones:
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to take people off benefit and into (a) work and (b) training; and what will be the role of further education colleges in such plans. [1258]
Mr. Hain:
I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 21 May 1997, Official Report, column 75. The Government's Welfare to Work programme for unemployed young people "the New Deal" will have four options. Three of these: working with employers, voluntary organisations and the environmental task force, will involve accredited training for a day a week. The training could include college based courses and on the job training. The fourth option is full time study towards an approved qualification. I would expect Further Education Colleges to make a significant contribution to the success of the programme.
Mr. Martyn Jones:
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to promote the film industry in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [1331]
Mr. Hain:
Welsh Office Officials are currently talking to people in the industry about its potential for economic growth. Financial support for the industry is being channelled through the Arts Council of Wales, Welsh Development Agency and Cardiff Bay Development Corporation who are providing grant aid to the new Media Agency for Wales. The Arts Council has also distributed some £1.5 million of Lottery money to film projects throughout Wales.
Mr. Barry Jones:
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what initiatives he proposes to enhance openness in government. [1263]
Mr. Ron Davies:
We intend to introduce a Bill to strengthen data protection controls and a White Paper will be published on proposals for a Freedom of Information Bill. I shall shortly be announcing improvements to the meetings of the Welsh Grand Committee.
(2) if he will assess the findings contained in the report, "The Real Level of Unemployment", by the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam university, a copy of which has been sent to him; and if he will make a statement. [1234]
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