HC Deb 05 March 1936 vol 309 cc1539-40
8. Mr. CECIL WILSON

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has any record of the number of boys and girls, respectively, who have left the Sheffield elementary schools during the last two years; how many of them obtained employment; and whether generally there is any following up of these boys and girls to see how far their employment was blind-alley or otherwise?

Mr. E. BROWN

I am informed that the number of boys and girls who left elementary schools in Sheffield was 4,185 boys and 4,263 girls in the year 1934, and 3,982 boys and 4,001 girls in the year 1935. As to the number who obtain employment, full information is available only in the case of the boys and girls placed directly in employment by the Juvenile Department of the Employment Exchanges. It is estimated, however, that 97 per cent. of the children leaving Sheffield schools and seeking employment are able to find it within three months of leaving school. The careers of the boys and girls placed by the exchange are followed up by the Juvenile Advisory Committees and reports obtained about their progress. A special record is kept of boys and girls known to be in non-progressive employment, and every attempt is made to place them in occupations offering definite prospects when an opportunity occurs.