HC Deb 16 April 1958 vol 586 cc146-7
19 and 20. Mr. Moss

asked the Minister of Labour (1) what attention he is giving to employment problems which may arise in particular areas as the number of school leavers increases and National Service recruitment dwindles;

(2) in what particular areas he expects employment problems to arise as the number of young persons seeking employment rises over the next few years.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour and National Service (Mr. Richard Wood)

The number of young people leaving school in any area is small in relation to the total working population of the area, and the general employment situation is likely to be more important than the increase in the numbers of school leavers. I cannot say in what areas difficulties may arise, but I intend to keep the position under close review.

Mr. Moss

Is the Minister aware that the Report of the Carr Committee suggested that the Minister of Labour was making an investigation into these problems in certain localities? Is he aware that in Cardiff, Portsmouth and Wolver-hampton great anxiety is being expressed because the problems have already arisen in those places? Will he, therefore, look into this matter with a greater sense of urgency?

Mr. Wood

The hon. Member is quite right. Forecasts of the number of boys and girls leaving school have been and are being obtained. When they are complete they will be looked at together to see whether any encouragement can be given to industry which is expanding to go where there may be difficulties. I think that the bulge—the extra number of school leavers—presents an opportunity to industry equal to the difficulties it may have to face.

Mr. Lee

In congratulating the hon. Gentleman upon his new appointment, may I ask whether he is aware that he will find that in his new Department there is plenty of scope for him to show the sympathy that he showed in his last appointment? Will the hon. Gentleman investigate the possibilities of employment in these areas, bearing in mind the number of boys and girls who will be leaving school, so that any difficulty may be anticipated and dealt with instead of there being a period in which there is no employment for these people?

Mr. Wood

I am extremely grateful to the hon. Gentleman for what he has said. I will certainly make all the inquiries that he has suggested on the lines that he has in mind.

Mrs. Braddock

Is the Minister aware that Liverpool has already anticipated this problem and that the Chamber of Commerce has prepared a document which shows a serious position regarding school leavers in Liverpool? Will he have a look at that document to see whether he can make any suggestions to Liverpool about how to deal with the very difficult situation?

Mr. Wood

I understand that the City of Liverpool has given a very good lead in this matter. I will certainly look at the document and I will myself make the inquiries that the hon. Lady has suggested.