asked the Secretary of State for Employment if school leavers with special educational needs, including mentally handicapped pupils and young people, will be admitted to the proposed new training schemes and in particular the new training initiative on an equal basis with their non-handicapped peers.

[pursuant to his reply, 17 November 1982, c. 181–2]: Sixteen and 17-year-old school leavers with special needs will be able to take part in the youth training scheme, provided it is felt that they will benefit from the training and work experience that the scheme will provide. These issues will shortly be considered by the youth training board, which will oversee the scheme.