HC Deb 19 May 1936 vol 312 cc995-6
42. Mr. W. JOSEPH STEWART

asked the Minister of Labour, seeing that there are a number of persons unemployed from 16 years of age and upwards, single and married, daily seeking work, what steps he is taking to carry out the recommendation of the Commissioner for the Special Areas to take those from 14 to 16 years out of the labour market?

Mr. E. BROWN

The policy of the Government in regard to this matter is embodied in the Education Bills now before Parliament.

Mr. STEWART

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the Special Areas there are many thousands of young men between the ages of 18 and 21 who are unemployed, and who will never have an opportunity of work as long as boys between 14 and 16 are allowed to be absorbed into industry?

Mr. BROWN

I cannot accept that statement. There are numerous opportunities for training, and if the hon. Member and his friends will help me to persuade them to volunteer for them, we will do what we can to place them in employment.

Mr. SHINWELL

If the employment policy of the Government is contained in the Education Bill now before the House, does the right hon. Gentleman mean to say that we are expected to wait for three years before anything is done?

Mr. BROWN

I mean exactly what I say in my answer.

Mr. DAVIDSON

Has the right hon. Gentleman any experience of these training camps?

Mr. BROWN

I did not mention training camps. We have many varieties of training efforts, and most successful they are at the moment.