§ 34. Dr. Dickson Mabonasked the Minister of Labour how many persons under 18 years of age were registered as unemployed at the Greenock Employment Exchange at the latest convenient date; and for what periods they have been unemployed.
§ Mr. WhitelawTwo hundred and forty on 11th March, 1963. An analysis of this figure by duration of unemployment is not available for March. At mid-January 61 per cent. of unemployed boys and girls had been unemployed up to 8 weeks, 14 per cent. for 8 to 13 weeks and 25 per cent. over 13 weeks.
§ Dr. MabonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that I am becoming very frightened about how to put down this kind of Question from time to time because the situation gradually deteriorates, and it is quite deplorable? Has he thought of using 909 auxiliary training centres for these younger people in order to give them a useful occupation while they are awaiting employment?
§ Mr. WhitelawI note what the hon. Gentleman says and will certainly consider it. At the same time, I do not see why he should be frightened to table such Questions. Nor could I agree with him that the position is deteriorating. Of 1,247 boys and girls who left school last year, only 16 were still registered in March. I could not agree that that represents a deterioration in the position.
§ Dr. MabonThe hon. Gentleman ought to be ashamed. That is a very slick answer, and it is very wrong.