HC Deb 29 March 1971 vol 814 cc1128-9
10. Mr. Ellis

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many of the 23 teachers in Wales who have received training in educational counselling are in a full-time post of school counsellor, in a part-time post, or not counselling at all, respectively.

Mr. Peter Thomas

I understand that, of the 23 teachers referred to, one has taken a post outside Wales, five are not employed on counselling work at present and 17 spend part of their time on this work.

Mr. Ellis

Is the Secretary of State aware that the state of affairs revealed by his answer is even more unsatisfactory than that revealed by his answer on St. David's Day, when he said that 23 teachers had received training in counselling? Would he apprise local authorities of the importance of this subject in order to ensure that those who are trained educationally are able to undertake counselling?

Mr. Peter Thomas

I agree that there is a lot of room for improvement in the provision that is made. I read the hon. Gentleman's speech on the Adjournment on the subject and I agree with much of what he said. Certainly, a great deal of advice and many publications are available to the Welsh Office, and we shall see that they are distributed even more than they are at the moment.

Mr. Kinnock

Will the Secretary of State try to introduce into the programme of school counselling a system whereby counsellors could explain to school-leavers how to claim dole, since this year in a number of areas of Wales this problem will confront young people before they even get a job?

Mr. Peter Thomas

The hon. Gentleman would not expect me to say that that matter should be part of the function of school counselling.