HC Deb 12 November 1970 vol 806 cc587-8
13. Mr. Grylls

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on his policy on the future of the Youth Employment Service.

Mr. Dudley Smith

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Written Reply I gave him on 20th July. Any statement of policy on the future of the Youth Employment Service must wait until my right hon. Friend has given full consideration to the views put to him by the many organisations consulted.—[Vol. 804, c. 47.]

Mr. Grylls

First, does my hon. Friend agree that local authorities see this as an essential part of the education services?

Secondly, will he consult his right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education and Science, before any final decision is taken?

Mr. Smith

Yes. I am aware of the views in many parts of the education world, but there are also views expressed by other people. This matter cannot be taken in isolation from the question of career guidance and the development of the adult employment service. However, I promise my hon. Friend that my right hon. Friend will consult the Secretary of State for Education and Science before a decision is made.

Mr. Crawshaw

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that, particularly in Liverpool, youth employment is running at one of the highest levels for many years, and that there is a need for getting apprenticeship schemes going? Will the hon. Gentleman look into it and perhaps consider an expansion of the service?

Mr. Smith

We shall consider that. If we examine the whole situation, we see that the youth employment side is crucial to future jobs. That is why we want to get it right and why my right hon. Friend insists on the proper consultation before making a decision.