§ 38. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Minister of Labour how many boys and girls are at present unemployed in Salford; how many are expected to leave school in July; and how many school leavers it is expected will be found jobs.
§ Mr. HareOn 10th June, 119 boys and girls were registered as unemployed. About 1,000 are expected to leave school in July. The majority should be able to obtain employment without undue difficulty. The youth employment service will do all it can to help them.
§ Mr. AllaunIs not this a tragic way for school-leavers to start their industrial life, which may have lasting psychological effects and which might force them into jobs which they do not like? Will the Minister inquire into, and take some action in, the case of one of the biggest engineering firms in Manchester and Salford which has now stopped taking on apprentices altogether?
§ Mr. HareI am sure that the hon. Gentleman does not wish to exaggerate the situation. There is a youth unemployment problem, but a great deal is being done. Of the 533 Easter school-leavers 13 are at present registered for employment. We must continue to make efforts to place the minority who have not yet been placed.
I have noted what the hon. Gentleman has said on the other matter which he raised.