HC Deb 08 April 1963 vol 675 cc906-7
30. Mr. Morris

asked the Minister of Labour, what is the number of boys and girls unemployed in Wales, Glamorgan, Port Talbot and Glyncorrwg, and Porthcawl, at the most recent convenient date.

Mr. Whitelaw

On 11th March, 4,257 in Wales, 2,178 in Glamorgan, 216 in Port Talbot and Glyncorrwg, and 291 in Bridgend, which includes Porthcawl.

Mr. Morris

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that a substantial proportion of school leavers have no hope of employment for some months after leaving school, which is causing immense concern in Glamorgan? How much will the situation be aggravated by the Easter school leavers? Has the hon. Gentleman any idea as to how many of them will have to return to school because of the lack of unemployment?

Mr. Whitelaw

One is bound to accept that placing has been slower than usual and slower than one would have liked. Nevertheless, substantial progress is being made. I very much hope that young people in Wales will benefit from improvements in the general employment situation resulting from the measures of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to expand the economy and to steer new industry into development districts.

Mr. Morris

Does the Parliamentary Secretary really think that a reduction from 236 to 216 in three months is substantial progress.

Mr. Whitelaw

What I said was that progress was being made in all these areas, and that is true.