51. Mr. Idwal Jonesasked the Minister of Labour how many boys and girls, respectively, who have left school since August, 1958, in the Wrexham area, have been placed in employment; how many have not been so placed; and how the figures compare with the corresponding period in 1957–58.
§ Mr. WoodFour hundred and fifty-two boys and 440 girls who left school at the end of the summer and Christmas terms in 1958 have been placed in employment. On 9th February, 1959, 32 boys and 23 girls remained unplaced. These figures are much the same as those of a year previously.
Mr. JonesIs the Minister aware that the position in regard to school-leavers has been deteriorating since 1955? Does he know that there is grave disquiet among parents, because it has a disheartening effect and perhaps a demoralising effect upon children leaving school?
§ Mr. WoodI agree about the demoralising effect but, as I suggested in my Answer, there has been no deterioration in this part of the British Isles since last year, and the number of unemployed there is still comparatively small.