§ 4. Mr. W. Hamiltonasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the concern in Scotland concerning the employment prospects for youths; and what steps he intends to take to alleviate the position in the coming winter months.
§ Mr. GodberYes, Sir. I share the concern felt about the problem of youth employment in Scotland and that was the main reason for my recent visit there. Unemployment among young people was higher at mid-October than a year previously but the fall between September andOctober was greater than in the same period of 1962. This change affected both school leavers and older boys and girls. Vacancies for boys and girls at mid-October were higher than a year ago. The Government plans for Central Scotland announced in the White Paper should lead to increased opportunities for young people as for adults.
§ Mr. HamiltonIs the Minister aware that in Scotland there is the same criticism of the inadequacy of these proposals 602 as there is in the North-East and that the impression is gaining ground very rapidly that the Government are just tinkering with the problem? Is he aware that in central West Fife, in particular, there must be an exodus of young people because they simply cannot get jobs, and there is no prospect of their getting jobs?
§ Mr. GodberI would not accept that. I think that the new proposals are a genuine effort to meet what the hon. Member must realise is a difficult problem. Certainly they should help materially.