§ 32. Mr. Bottomleyasked the Minister of Labour how many persons under 18 years of age were unemployed in Middlesbrough at the end of January; and how many of these have failed to get work since 1st August, 1962.
§ Mr. GodberOn 10th February, 293 boys and girls were unemployed. Four of these had had no employment since August, 1962.
§ Mr. BottomleyDoes the Minister agree that it is very unsatisfactory that young people should have been unemployed for so long? Is he aware that there is a drift of these young people to London? This is causing concern to the parents. Will he take steps to ensure that work is found for these young people on Tees-side?
§ Mr. GodberI recognise that the present position is still not satisfactory, although it is showing a marked improvement. The figure of young people unemployed fell from about 650 in October down to the present level. As to the four who have been unemployed for so long, there are special reasons, including health reasons, which account for that.