§ 11. Mr. C. Royleasked the Minister of Labour, in view of the continuing unemployment amongst school leavers, what consultations have taken place between 415 his officers, national or local, and representatives of the retail meat trade, with a view to the employment of young persons in that trade.
§ Mr. WhitelawThe Youth Employment Service has regular contacts with the trade at many levels. Careers literature about the trade has been issued by the Central Youth Employment Executive to schools and to youth employment officers, who have regard to oportunities in the trade when advising and placing young people. Our officers also act as assessors to the National Joint Apprenticeship Council and to regional apprenticeship committees. The development of training opportunities in the trade is of great importance in making the career attractive to young people.
§ Mr. RoyleWill the hon. Gentleman bear in mind the fact that the meat trade is anxious to train many more of these young people? Will he draw the attention of his officers to the fact that there are some excellent training and apprenticeship schemes in the trade? If I send him a booklet on the subject, will he see that it is drawn to the attention of his officers?
§ Mr. WhitelawI agree with what the hon. Members says. I have here a very attractive booklet. I do not know whether it is the same as that which the hon. Member has offered to send me.
§ Mr. WhitelawI can assure the hon. Member that this descriptive literature, giving details of training opportunities, has been circulated by the Central Youth Employment Executive to youth employment officers and schools. Anything further that we can do in this field we certainly will do.