§ 54. Mr. Owenasked the Minister of Labour how many teenagers are signing on at the employment exchanges at the nearest convenient date; and what steps he is taking to find employment for them.
§ Mr. WoodOn 12th January, 45,748 young persons—aged 15 to 17 years— were registered as unemployed. The Youth Employment Service is doing its best to place them in employment as quickly as possible.
§ Mr. OwenI view of these figures, surely the Ministry should take some action to find employment for these job-hunting teenagers? May I ask the Minister to what extent he is now considering the use of the existing employment training centres, to which some of these young people could be directed for training?
§ Mr. WoodI will certainly consider any idea which the hon. Gentleman likes to put to me. I think it is important to place against the figure which I gave him in my Answer—45,000—the fact that there are very nearly 45,000 unfilled vacancies for boys and girls, rather more for girls than boys. Therefore, the situation regarding the employment prospects of girls is not very bad.