HC Deb 30 April 1958 vol 587 cc348-9
4. Mr. Moss

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to unemployment among school-leavers in the city of Leicester and the proposal of the Chairman of the Youth Employment Committee to establish a junior training school; and what steps he will take to encourage this development.

Mr. Wood

On 14th April there were 86 young persons, including 13 who left school at Easter, who were registered as unemployed in Leicester. Of these more than half had been unemployed for less than two weeks. I have seen reports in the Press of the proposal referred to by the hon. Member but I understand it has not yet been considered by the youth employment committee.

Mr. Moss

Would not the Parliamentary Secretary agree that the Leicester suggestion is a very good idea, which he might consider and try to spread? Is he aware that The Times of 16th April described this school as "a pool of labour with trainees earning as they learn"? It seems to be an excellent idea, and I hope the Parliamentary Secretary agrees.

Mr. Wood

I assure the hon. Gentleman that I shall be particularly interested to learn the result of the consideration which the committee is shortly to give to this suggestion.

Mr. Lee

Would not the Parliamentary Secretary agree that in the last analysis only the Government can do the co-ordinating necessary for this kind of thing? I do not know whether I should refer the hon. Gentleman to The Times Educational Supplement of 28th April, in which this matter is argued cogently. I hope that the Government will take the initiative.