HC Deb 24 June 1963 vol 679 cc934-5
28. Mr. J. Griffiths

asked the Minister of Labour which of the juvenile employment committees in Wales have made representations to him or to his regional controller expressing concern at the number of juveniles for whom no employment is available in their area; and what replies he has made to them.

Mr. Whitelaw

Since last September, the committees in Cardiganshire, Glamorgan and Swansea. The replies from the Department have called attention to the measures which the Government have taken to stimulate the economy and to steer industrial development into the areas where more employment is needed.

Mr. Griffiths

Will the Parliamentary Secretary realise that these young people who have no work available to them have to seek work elsewhere, and that unless we get new industries very soon there will be no young boys or girls left for these new industries? Will he consult with the President of the Board of Trade and call his attention to these representations?

Mr. Whitelaw

Yes, Sir. I will certainly do that. I should say to the right hon. Gentleman that the number of unemployed young persons in Wales is certainly somewhat higher than a year ago; nevertheless, it has fallen from 5,748 in January to 2,658 in June. This, I agree, is an improvement from a bad position, but it is an improvement.

Mr. Griffiths

The Minister will be aware that in four or five weeks we shall be having the end of the academic school year and that this will add to the seriousness of this problem.

Mr. Whitelaw

I certainly accept what the right hon. Gentleman says.