§ 15. Mr. Woofasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science, as representing the Lord President of the Council, if he will consult the Minister of Education and the Minister of Labour on proposals to provide a solution to juvenile unemployment in the Blaydon area.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethMy noble Friend is already in touch with his colleagues about proposals to reduce juvenile unemployment throughout the North-East. As Blaydon is a development district, it should benefit from the Government's measures to expand the economy and to steer new industry into the area.
§ Mr. WoofIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there are about 200 school-leavers registered in Blaydon who just cannot find a job? Are there any long-term plans to co-ordinate the work of the various Government Departments which must be involved in implementing any policy affecting unemployment in Blaydon?
§ Mr. FreethSo far as juvenile unemployment is a reflection of the larger problem, the decisions already taken by the Government and those which will be 931 taken will be of considerable help. According to my information, the number of juveniles unemployed in the Blaydon area fell from 164, or 9.1 per cent., in March to 139, or 6.7 per cent., in April, so there is a small improvement.