HC Deb 27 January 1964 vol 688 cc7-8
8. Mr. Wingfield Digby

asked the Minister of Labour how many school leavers in Dorset left the county to take up their first employment.

Mr. Whitelaw

The Youth Employment Service in Dorset estimates that in the year ended 30th September, 1963, about 200 school leavers took up their first employment outside the county. About 50 of these went to jobs within daily travelling distance of their homes.

Mr. Digby

Is this not evidence of the lack of opportunities in the South-West? Will my hon. Friend consult his right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade on providing more opportunities for school leavers?

Mr. Whitelaw

I am sure my hon. Friend will agree that there is a fair variety of employment for young people within the county. Undoubtedly some of those who move away do so from choice rather than from necessity.

9. Mr. Wingfield Digby

asked the Minister of Labour how many persons in insurable occupations have left Dorset to take up employment elsewhere in each of the last two years.

Mr. Whitelaw

I regret that this information is not available.

Mr. Digby

Is this not just the kind of information we need if regional development is to become a reality? Would my hon. Friend try to get the figures for us by some machinery or other?

Mr. Whitelaw

I should point out that the annual estimates of the movements of insured persons are made on the basis of a one per cent. sample and are only available on a regional basis.