§ 3. Mr. Prenticeasked the Minister of Labour what steps he is taking to expand the Youth Employment Service to deal with the large increase in the number of school leavers this year and in the next few years.
§ Mr. HareThe staffing needs are kept under regular review in consultation with education authorities. Since 1956 the number of Youth Employment Officers has increased by 335 or 365 per cent.
§ Mr. PrenticeWhat steps are being taken to meet the special needs of the greater number of school leavers this 4 year and for two or three years ahead? This year there will be more than 20 per cent. increase in the number of school leavers over last year's figure. Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that there needs to be an expansion this year in the Youth Employment Service if the boys and girls leaving school are to get the individual attention received by their predecessors?
§ Mr. HareI share the hon. Gentleman's concern about this, but I am glad to report to the House that, as I have just said, there has been a considerable increase in the number of officers, and the training facilities for new entrants into the Service have also been improved.