HC Deb 16 May 1960 vol 623 cc911-2
31. Mr. Slater

asked the Minister of Labour how many children left school in the south-west divisional area of Durham County in 1959-60; and how many have found employment.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Peter Thomas)

Nine hundred and ninety boys and girls left school in the south-west divisional area of County Durham at summer and Christmas in 1959 and Easter, 1960. All but 18 have now found employment.

32. Mr. Slater

asked the Minister of Labour how many children he estimates wild leave school in Durham County in 1961; and what are the prospects of their finding employment in the county area.

Mr. P. Thomas

About 13,500. There should be no difficulty over employment for the girls. The position for boys may be rather more difficult, but the great majority should be able to find work within a short time of leaving school.

Mr. Slater

Does the Minister realise that certain areas within County Durham are not so acutely affected as others? Should not special consideration be given to those which are most affected? For instance, does he recall that one part of my constituency, on Tees-side, is not so much affected as another part of my constituency? Ought not one to take into consideration the fact that young people are not in certain places given the same facilities and opportunities for taking employment on leaving school?

Mr. Thomas

As the hon. Gentleman knows, special consideration is being given to the difficult areas in County Durham.