§ 29. Mr. Kinnockasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what is the present incidence of juvenile unemployment in the Bedwellty constituency; and what steps he proposes to take to improve the situation.
§ Mr. Dudley SmithOn 8th June there were 175 boys and girls under 18 years of age registered as unemployed at the Aberbargoed, Blackwood and Cross Keys careers offices. Careers officers are doing everything possible to help them find suitable vacancies.
§ Mr. KinnockI thank the hon. Gentleman for his Answer. However, I hope he realises that the figures disguise the real tragedy of youth unemployment, which is seen in emigration and in severe insecurity among youngsters. For instance, he will be aware that 62½ per cent. of the number of children entitled to leave school in this area in Easter this year returned to school. Will he encourage his colleagues to bear this in mind in their long-awaited reconsideration of regional employment policy?
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. Supplementary questions must be reasonably brief.
§ Mr. SmithI can understand the hon. Gentleman's concern, which I am sure is genuine. Young people who cannot obtain training or progressive employment in their home areas may receive financial assistance under the Training Allowances Scheme to enable them to live away from home. We shall do all we can for the young people of the area.