asked the Secretary of State for Employment why managing agents for the youth training scheme are paid a fee for contracted places which are not filled; and what was the cost of fees paid in these circumstances in 1984.

The Manpower Services Commission pays managing agents a fee for each contracted place on the youth training scheme as a contribution towards their administrative costs in setting up and running a training programme. This fee is paid in advance to assist managing agents to prepare schemes, but they may be required to refund the fee if they fail to offer the number of places specified in the contract. Where, however, places remain unfilled through no fault of the managimg agent, the Manpower Services Commission does not normally require payment.Information on the cost of fees paid in 1984 for places which remain unfilled is not available.