§ 24. Mr. Wainwrightasked the Minister of Labour if he will state the number of boy and girl school-leavers who are still unemployed in the Dearne Valley 699 area; and how many of these have made applications for National Assistance benefit.
§ Mr. WhitelawOn 13th January, 32 boy and 16 girl school-leavers were registered for first employment at the Mexborough and Staincross Youth Employment Offices. Of these, seven boys and eight girls have made applications for National Assistance.
§ Mr. WainwrightDoes not the Parliamentary Secretary think that it is rather disgraceful that these boys and girls have not been able to obtain employment? What is he doing, together with the President of the Board of Trade, to ensure that other industries go to this district? Do his officers advise these young boys and girls that they may apply for National Assistance?
§ Mr. WhitelawOn the first point, I think it fair to point out that, of the total number of school leavers which I mentioned, thirteen of the boys and seven of the girls left school just before Christmas. They are being absorbed, although not as quickly as one would wish. I note the hon. Member's point about the location of industry which, he will appreciate, is for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry and Trade. I understand that the answer to the hon. Member's last point is "Yes", but I will check it for him.