HC Deb 29 July 1971 vol 822 cc755-6
2. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is his latest estimate of the number of unemployed school leavers in Scotland.

22. Mr. Douglas

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the latest employment prospects for school leavers in Scotland.

The Secretary of State for Employment (Mr. Robert Carr)

On 12th July, 6,739 school leavers were registered as unemployed in Scotland. About 40,000 young people left school for employment this summer and, although vacancies are fewer than in previous years, I am hopeful that the majority will find jobs within a reasonable period. Careers officers are doing everything possible to help them.

Mr. Dalyell

Will the Secretary of State use his influence, as a senior member of the Cabinet, with the Defence Secretary to reflect on the decision to contract the civillan training, which is of very high standard, at the naval dockyard of Rosyth and Caledonia to see whether it could be expanded, not contracted, in the present situation?

Mr. Carr

This is a matter for my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Defence but I will take an interest in it. The hon. Gentleman probably knows not only that a number of hon. Members have discussed this matter with my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State but also that the rundown is not planned until 1979.

Mr. Dalyell

No. Instructors are being paid off.

Mr. Douglas

Does not the right hon. Gentleman acknowledge that the figure of 6,000 is an under-estimate, because many of the young people have gone directly on holiday and have not registered? The true figure of unemployment among school leavers in Scotland is likely to be between 15 and 30 per cent. Will he take urgent steps to ensure that we do not lose these skills to Scotland, since when the next Labour Government are in power we shall create the type of economy that employs them?

Mr. Carr

What is needed above all is an expanding economy, and for the first time for more than six years we have a Government who have taken measures to see that we get it. In the meantime, I agree that the figure of 6,739 may not represent the full figure, for the reasons mentioned. While the House should take this very seriously, we should not spread unnecessary gloom. I believe that, with the planned extra career officers and the other measures we are taking, the position will be better than some people fear.

Mr. Rankin

In view of what the right hon. Gentleman has just said, does he realise how important it is that he should not appear to be becoming the Secretary of State for Unemployment in Scotland?

Mr. Carr

I realise how important the matter is. That is why I welcome so strongly the first major expansionary steps taken by any Government for over six years.