To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many and what percentage of 16 to 18-year-olds were not in education, employment or training in each year since 1997. [124271]

[holding answer 8 July 2003]: The numbers and percentages of 16 to 18-year-olds not in education, employment or training (NEET) for 1997 to 2001 (as at end of calendar year) are set out in the table. The figures for end 2001 are provisional.

16 to 18-year-olds NEET in England
End	Number (thousand)	Percentage
1997	170	9
1998	183	10
1999	156	9
2000	172	9
2001	173	9

Source:These estimates are taken from the latest annual statistical first release, "SFR 16/2002: Participation in Education, Training and Employment by 16 to 18 Year Olds in England: 2000 and 2001".