§ 55. Mr. Spriggsasked the Minister of Labour if he will give the latest figures relating to unemployed men, women, boys and girls signing the register at St. Helens, Lancashire; and what action he is taking to provide training facilities for young people unable to find a job.
§ Mr. WhitelawOn 11th February 1,548 men, 1,134 women, 187 boys and 187 girls were registered for employment. 905 Nearly one-third of boys entering employment in St. Helens last year obtained apprenticeships. My right hon. Friend will continue to urge industry to increase training opportunities of all kinds.
§ Mr. SpriggsIs there not a strong case for setting up a Ministry of Labour training centre so that these boys and girls may learn a trade rather than be among the hundreds of thousands of "also rans"?
§ Mr. WhitelawI think that the hon. Member will appreciate that the Youth Employment Service has been doing all it can to find suitable jobs. It has had considerable success when one reflects that of the school-leavers last summer only four girls have not yet been found employment.
§ Mr. SpriggsHow many young people are being sent from St. Helens to the nearest training centre? If that figure is very low, will the hon. Gentleman consider providing facilities in the borough for a centre?
§ Mr. WhitelawI cannot give the figure without notice, but training facilities do not depend alone on Government training centres. They also depend on training opportunities provided by industry. These, of course, are of immense importance.