HC Deb 28 June 1971 vol 820 c22
27. Mr. George Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Wales on what date he met the Advisory Committee for Wales of the National Youth Employment Council.

Mr. Peter Thomas

I have not met this committee, which I understand is currently being reconstituted.

Mr. George Thomas

Is it not disgraceful that the Secretary of State, having published in his annual report the concern of this body about unemployment amongst young people in Wales, has not yet bothered to meet it? Is he aware that responsible opinion throughout the Principality is disturbed by the fact that a large number of our young people have now been unemployed for over 12 months? What is he doing about it?

Mr. Peter Thomas

The right hon. Gentleman should know that this is not the sort of committee that would meet me. This is an advisory committee to the National Youth Employment Council, which is a council whose point of contact with the Government is the Department of Employment. I have received no invitation to meet this committee: if I were invited, I would certainly see whether I could accept.