§ 3. Mr. Benceasked the Minister of Labour what steps he is taking to provide employment for the increased number of school leavers in Kirkintilloch.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Peter Thomas)Absorption of the additional numbers in Kirkintilloch this year and next should not present undue difficulties.
§ Mr. BenceIs the hon. Gentleman aware that that is a quite unsatisfactory Answer? We want some positive efforts. Is he aware that the population is increasing rapidly as a result of the overspill agreement with Glasgow and that there is some frustration among young families who come out of Glasgow because of the lack of opportunities for young people in the town of Kirkintilloch? Would the hon. Gentleman take some steps to see that there is a drive to bring industry into Kirkintilloch as well as the overspill from Glasgow?
§ Mr. ThomasThe employment position at the moment is healthy and we have every expectation that that will continue. The Easter school leavers, for example, were absorbed into employment very rapidly; of the 36 boys and 54 girls, only one boy was still on the register on 10th April.