§ 61. Mr. BUCHANANasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that certain employers are in the habit of dismissing young boys and girls when the age of 16 is reached and when health and unemployment insurance have to be paid; and if he intends taking action to deal with blind-alley employment?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI am aware that a number of boys and girls are discharged from employment for various reasons at or about the age of 16, but the available evidence does not enable me to say how far this is due to the fact that insurance contributions become payable at that age. As regards the second part of the question I would refer the hon. Member to Chapter VIII of the Report of the Committee on Education and Industry (England and Wales) of which I am sending him a copy.
§ Mr. BUCHANANWill the hon. Gentleman kindly answer the last part of the question as to whether he intends to take any action? I have read the Report, but that does not say whether the hon. Gentleman intends to take any action. It is the Report of a Committee.
§ Mr. BETTERTONThat is exactly one of the points I am proposing to deal with on Wednesday, when the Estimates of the Ministry of Labour come up for discussion. It is not a point with which I can deal adequately in answer to a question.