HC Deb 02 July 1924 vol 175 cc1311-2
33. Mr. HANNON

asked the Minister of Labour whether the weekly returns of the numbers of unemployed on the live registers of the Employment Exchanges include all young persons between the ages of 14 and 16; whether their inclusion is dependent upon their having previously found employment; and if he can give any figures to show the present number of such young persons who have left school and are seeking employment?

Mr. SHAW

The weekly statistics of the live registers of Employment Exchanges do not include all juveniles between the ages of 14 and 16, but only those who have registered at exchanges. Any unemployed juvenile over the age of 14 can register at an exchange irrespective of whether he has previously been in employment or not. No statistics are available showing the total number of juveniles who have left school and are seeking employment.

37. Sir JOHN PENNEFATHER

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has received any communication from the 13 experienced persons who have just published a series of suggestions in regard to juvenile unemployment and the insurance of young persons; and, if so, will he consider these suggestions?

Mr. SHAW

I have not received a communication from the signatories to the letter recently published in the Press to which I assume the hon. Member refers. One of the suggestions made is that boys and girls should be insured against unemployment from the date of leaving school, and, as the hon. Member will recollect, a proposal recently made by me to this effect was not accepted by the House. The suggestions, other than that for an extension of insurance, appear to concern my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Education.

Viscountess ASTOR

Was not one of the suggestions the wising of the school age?

Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

Will the right hon. Gentleman exercise his influence with the President of the Board of Education to get him to do his duty?

Mr. SHAW

In regard to the first question, the matter is one for the President of the Board of Education. As to the second question, I am satisfied that my right hon. Friend is doing his duty.

Sir HARRY BRITTAIN

Is not this a most important matter?

Mr. SHAW

That is what I think.