Oral Answers to Questions

Robert Halfon Excerpts

Monday 23rd April 2012 Commons Chamber

[Chris Grayling]

We have to remember that the funding that underlies Labour party policy has already been announced for, I believe, nine different purposes of late. The programmes that we have put in place to help young people are much more cost-effective than the previous Government’s programmes, and much more affordable at a time when, as the right hon. Member for Birmingham, Hodge Hill (Mr Byrne) reminded us, there is no money left, and they are making a real difference today.

[Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con)]

Is not the best way to help these young people the investment in the hundreds of thousands of apprenticeships that give young people the skills they need?

[Chris Grayling]

I completely agree. My hon. Friend has done a first-rate job in promoting apprenticeships in his constituency and in Parliament. The apprenticeship dimension to the youth contract will be an important part of getting young people into work. This is a much better way forward to create long-term career opportunities for young people than the short-term placements out of the private sector that were the hallmark of the previous Government.