HC Deb 01 March 1971 vol 812 cc1217-8
29. Mr. Ellis

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many educational counsellors and how many careers guidance teachers are employed in Welsh secondary schools.

Mr. Peter Thomas

In October, 1970, there were 23 trained counsellors employed in the secondary schools of Wales and 13 teachers were on secondment at centres providing counselling courses. Almost all secondary schools in Wales have at least one teacher designated to take responsibility for careers guidance in conjunction with the Careers Officers of the Youth Employment Service.

Mr. Ellis

Does not the right lion. and learned Gentleman agree that these are depressingly small figures? Does not he also agree that these two inter-related activities are important and becoming increasingly so? Will he ensure that his Department, which now has responsibility for primary and secondary education in Wales, takes a leading rôle in the development of both these jobs?

Mr. Peter Thomas

I agree with everything the hon. Gentleman said.