Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Graham Stuart (Conservative). It was answered on Thursday, 18 October 2007 on behalf of the Treasury.

Education and Training

Question: The number of 16 to 18-year-olds who are not in education, employment or training rose by 40 per cent. between 1997 and 2006. Given the increase in the number of 16 to 18-year-olds in that invidious position, and in light of those unacceptable facts, how can the Minister justify the spending on the new deal for young people?

Answer: First, I would question the hon. Gentleman's facts. There has in fact been a fall in the number of people who are not in education, employment or training as a percentage of the population concerned in the past 10 years. He also has to recognise that 625,000 more youngsters are in education and training than were 10 years ago, and 189,000 more are in work. He needs to remember that the category of those not in education, employment or training includes parents who are caring for their children, people who are in part-time training, people who have disabilities, and people who are off on gap years.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 464 c947
Session: 2006-07
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Education Training Young people Unemployment School leaving Apprentices Adult education Economic growth Skilled workers
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk