§ 32. Mr. H. WILLIAMSasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he can state the number of children who left the public 344 elementary schools during the year ended 31st March, 1934, and, for comparison, the number who left during the previous 12 months; and if he has had any reports as to the effects on the employment market of the increased number of children leaving school during the 12 months ended 31st March, 1934?
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMThe number of children who left the public elementary schools for employment during the year ended 31st March, 1934, was 533,140. The corresponding figure for the year ended 31st March, 1933, was 371,026. With regard to the second part of the Question, my Noble Friend is informed by the Minister of Labour that reports received by him indicate that the additional number of children who left school during the year ended the 31st March, 1934, have been readily absorbed into employment in many parts of the country, notably in most of the industrial centres of the south-eastern and midland areas. In a number of these areas, despite the additional numbers available, it has not been possible to meet all demands for juvenile labour. On the other hand, in some parts of South Wales and on the north-east coast, and in certain other areas, the larger number of children leaving school has increased the volume of juvenile labour surplus to local requirements.