§ 35. Mr. Lawsonasked the Minister of Labour what plans he has for securing employment for the school leavers in Scotland, in view of the continuing discrepancy between their number and the vacancies available, as shown by the January figures.
§ Mr. Godber2,806 young people in Scotland were registered for first employment on 13th January. Most of these left school at the end of the Christmas term when there were 14,000 leavers in all. Figures are not available of vacancies for school leavers alone, but there are 3,086 vacancies for boys and girls in Scotland.
§ Mr. LawsonHas the Minister looked into the question of boys and girls leaving school and getting as their first job one which is merely a stop-gap from which they are, perhaps, paid off when they reach the age at which they might be compulsorily insured, thus making room for other school leavers? Would he not agree that if this practice is widespread it would be deplorable and should be ended? Will the Minister see to what extent it is still carried on?
§ Mr. GodberI agree that if that practice is being carried on to any great extent it would be a serious matter. I should be glad to have information on any cases which the hon. Member has in mind. My youth employment officers seek to avoid cases of this kind and try to put boys and girls into the most constructive jobs that they can find.