School-Leaving Dates

HC Deb 29 June 1960 vol 625 c1384

38. Mr. Boyden

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has had consultations with employers' organisations with a view to arranging not more than two school-leaving dates as recommended by the Crowther Committee.

Mr. P. Thomas

At the request of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Education, we shall be seeking the views of both sides of industry at a meeting of the Joint Consultative Committee of the National Joint Advisory Council next week.

Mr. Boyden

Could the Minister give an assurance that when this meeting takes place he will do all he can to assist the Committee in making provision for two school-leaving dates, such as modifying arrangements within his own Youth Employment Service? Obviously there could be great congestion. Would he give an assurance that every assistance will be given to industry to help in this transition?

Mr. Thomas

I can certainly give the hon. Gentleman this assurance, that we in our Department will give every assistance to this Committee to go into this extremely important matter very thoroughly.