HC Deb 13 July 1961 vol 644 cc556-7
8. Sir B. Janner

asked the Minister of Education whether he will now announce the qualifications required for the status of qualified youth leaders; whether recommendations have yet been made by the Joint Negotiating Committee for Youth Leaders on salaries and conditions; if he will make a statement on these recommendations; and whether he will take steps to meet the urgent need for additional youth clubs in Leicester and elsewhere.

Sir D. Eccles

The qualifications are being published today in an Administrative Memorandum of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy. I understand that the recommendations on salaries and conditions will be made known tomorrow. I have already announced increased Youth Service building programmes for the years 1960–63, including nine projects submitted by the Leicester and Leicestershire local education authorities. Seven voluntary projects in these areas will also probably be included.

Sir B. Janner

While appreciating the steps that have been taken by the Minister, may I ask whether he is aware of the necessity of having a more extensive programme than the one which he has already adumbrated, particularly in view of the fact that in a district like New Parks Estate, in Leicester, pressure is being brought to bear by the residents to provide three or four centres instead of one? Will the right hon. Gentleman realise that this matter is very urgent and will he make a statement on it before the Recess?

Sir D. Eccles

I am sorry that I am not familiar with the actual details of the Leicestershire proposals, but I will look into them. We have very greatly increased the Youth Service building programme and, to the best of my knowledge, it is about as big as it can be.

16. Mr. Chataway

asked the Minister of Education what the response has been to his advice that local authorities should consult with voluntary organisations in preparing their 1962–63 programme for expansion of the Youth Service.

Sir D. Eccles

The majority of local education authorities have responded well and there is evidence of increasing willingness to consult and co-operate at the local level.

Mr. Chataway

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it is estimated that only 50 per cent. of the local authorities have, in fact, consulted so far and that the considerable enthusiasm aroused among the voluntary organisations by the Albemarle Report will be frustrated if they feel that they are not getting a fair share of the increased sums made available to the Youth Service?

Sir D. Eccles

I agree that the co-operation between the local education authorities and the voluntary bodies is probably the most important thing that we now have to secure in the Youth Service. On the second part of the supplementary question, the £¾ million worth of capital work which the voluntary bodies are doing appears to be just about as much as they can or want to do in the near future.