HC Deb 08 June 1959 vol 606 cc607-8
11. Mr. P. Williams

asked the Minister of Labour what special action is being taken to provide employment for school-leavers in the Development Areas in the North-East.

Mr. Iain Macleod

We have on the whole been successful as the figures for the December and April school leavers show in absorbing these boys and girls into employment. But this is not a short term problem, and the Government intend to continue their policy of stimulating economic expansion and particularly of encouraging new industries in Development Areas.

Mr. Williams

If my right hon. Friend cannot manage to pay a visit to the North-East, will he pay particular attention to this problem, which is of particular concern at this time of year, before the end of another school term?

Mr. Macleod

Yes. My hon. Friend has extended an invitation to me to visit the North-East, and I hope to do so in the autumn.

Mr. Ede

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider making arrangements whereby some of the school-leavers capable of profiting from a further course of education can be induced to stay at school for a little longer?

Mr. Macleod

I am keeping in close touch with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Education on this matter, and that is one of the matters to which we pay attention.