§ Q6. Mr. Leslie Huckfieldasked the Prime Minister whether he is satisfied with the co-ordination between the Department of Employment and the Department of Education and Science in relation to the reorganisation of careers advisory and youth employment services: and if he will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir.
§ Mr. HuckfieldIs the Prime Minister aware of the many valuable services offered by careers advisory people employed by education authorities throughout the country? If he is really satisfied with co-ordination, how can the Department of Employment be putting out pamphlets saying that it is to do the service while careers advisory officers are being told that consultations are still going on?
§ The Prime MinisterWhat my right hon. Friend has proposed is that advice for the first job should be given through the local authorities and that thereafter young people should have a choice. This seems to him to be the right solution, but obviously in discussions with local authorities and the education authorities, as well as those concerned in the employment service, he can take other views into account.
§ Mr. StokesIs my right hon. Friend aware that in spite of all these valuable services the best possible advice on careers in industry and commerce can normally be given by practising businessmen? Will the Government encourage this?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. It is encouraged by bringing them in in an advisory capacity with the services which are themselves advising young people.