§ 17. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to overcome the disappointing progress made in recent years in providing for young people in the field of social education.
§ Mr. MaclayI hope to issue shortly a circular about recent and future developments in youth service and indicating the increased financial provision that is being made.
§ Mr. RankinDoes the Minister appreciate that that is a very unfair answer? 14 It is only a year ago since he issued a circular on this work. Why should he now say that he will issue another circular, without telling me what he proposes to do, at least in a very sketchy form? Does he realise that that is what is asked for in the Question?
§ Mr. MaclayI should be glad if the hon. Member would put down another Question on the matter later. I am not quite ready to give details.
§ Mr. RankinMay I, then, ask the Minister two questions? First, does he realise that 80 per cent. of the youth of Scotland leave school at 15 years of age? Can he say what percentage go to youth centres? Secondly, does he realise that over the last three years the number of unemployed young people in Glasgow—over 15 and under 18 years of age—has risen from 360 to 1,156? What is he going to do to tackle that problem, in view of the widespread unemployment in Scotland?
§ Mr. MaclayI am well aware of the problem in Scotland, and I am taking steps to deal with it as far as I can. I have said that as soon as I can I will give fuller information in detail.