To ask the Scottish Executive what the take-up rates were for participation in the New Deal for Young People from its inception to date in (a) Scotland, (b) the East Dunbartonshire Council area and (c) the East Renfrewshire Council area.

Participation in the New Deal for Young People (NDYP) is mandatory for all aged 18 to 24 years, unemployed for six months or longer. From the start of the programme in April 1998 to the end of September 2002, 100,100 young people have participated in NDYP in Scotland. Of this total, 1,200 were in East Dunbartonshire and 900 in East Renfrewshire.