§ 23. Mr. Leatherasked the Minister of Labour how many employment exchanges in Somerset have youth employment officers; and which have not.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Peter Thomas)Six; the nine youth employment officers serving at these exchanges cover the county. There are no such officers at nine exchanges: Clevedon, Midsomer Norton, Frome, Burnham-on-Sea, Street, Shepton Mallet, Crewkerne, Minehead and Chard.
§ Mr. LeatherWhile I thank my hon. Friend for that answer, may I ask him to remember in particular the need at Midsomer Norton in my constituency? Will he bear in mind that, in spite of all the work which has been done in the last year or two, there frequently seems to be a very large gap still between the activities of these officers, on the one hand, and the schools, local authorities and industry on the other hand? Will he consult the Ministers of Education and Housing and Local Government to try to urge on all concerned the great importance of co-ordinating these efforts at the age when young people leave school?
§ Mr. ThomasI agree with my hon. Friend about the importance of this matter and I will certainly look into the points which he has raised.