§ 20. Mr. Gourlayasked the Minister of Labour what steps are being taken in Scotland to deal adequately with the extra numbers of school leavers this year and in the next few years.
§ Mr. P. ThomasThe Central Youth Employment Executive and local education authorities keep the staffing of the Youth Employment Service under close review in all areas in anticipation of increased work arising from the larger number of school-leavers. As a result, nineteen new posts have been created and filled since 1956. Other increases in strength are likely to be made soon, as a result of current consultations between the Executive and authorities.
§ Mr. GourlayWhile I recognise the attempt that the Minister is making to provide more staff to deal with school leavers, may I ask what attempt is being made to provide more employment for the school leaver? Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware, for example, that there are fewer people employed in Scotland today than there were five years ago, and that unemployment there is higher today than it was at that time? Is he aware that we in Scotland are completely dissatisfied with the ineffectiveness of the Local Employment Act to provide necessary employment for our young people? What does he intend to do about it?
§ Mr. ThomasI will accept quite a lot of what the hon. Gentleman says, but there has been a considerable improvement in Scotland over the last year, and we certainly hope that the improvement will continue.