HC Deb 26 February 1959 vol 600 cc1286-7
34. Mr. Awbery

asked the Minister of Education how many local authorities have established joint committees with the voluntary associations concerned with the youth services for providing recreational, social and physical training for young people and leaders for such movements; how many have failed to function because of the lack of financial assistance; and what steps are being taken to assist them.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education (Sir Edward Boyle)

My right hon. Friend has no detailed information on this subject, but most local education authorities keep in close touch with local voluntary youth organisations in their areas through joint committee or by other means.

Mr. Awbery

Is the Minister aware of the excellent work done for these teenagers by the voluntary organisations, and will he take steps to see whether his Department or the committees can help to finance organisations that are doing such excellent work?

Sir E. Boyle

If there is any particular case about which the hon. Gentleman would like to write to me concerning one of these committees, of course, I will make all the necessary inquiries.

Mr. M. Stewart

Is it not rather surprising that the hon. Gentleman's Department has no information on which an answer to this question could be given? Surely local authorities are supposed to do this kind of thing. Could not the Minister find out the extent to which this duty is being neglected?

Sir E. Boyle

I will see about it. Local authorities are not statutorily required to inform the Minister about their methods of keeping contact with local voluntary bodies, but I will see whether we can obtain local information.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

In view of the importance of the matter, may I ask how many of these associations are entitled to financial assistance?

Sir E. Boyle

No doubt the right hon. Gentleman will bear in mind that this is one of the matters with which the Albemarle Committee is concerning itself.