§ 50. Mr. Owenasked the Minister of Labour what steps are being taken to deal with the increase in unemployment of young people in Ashington, Northumberland, which is 40 per cent. greater than in May, 1961; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitelawAt mid-July 28 boys and 33 girls were registered as unemployed at Ashington. Our local officers are making every effort to place them in suitable employment.
§ Mr. OwenIs not the Minister concerned about the disturbing increase during the past year in the number of unemployed youths? We recognise the important service rendered by the local officers, but is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Industrial Training Council recently passed a resolution asking that note should be taken of this growing problem and suggesting that it could be resolved only by bringing new industries to this area?
§ Mr. WhitelawI accept what the hon. Gentleman says, but I think that it is fair to get the problem in its proper perspective. On 11th July there were 63 vacancies for boys and 4 for girls in the area. Most of the vacancies are in coal (mining, where prospects for boys remain good.