HC Deb 21 February 1972 vol 831 cc891-2
38. Mr. Roderick

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if, in the next Welsh Report, he will devote a larger section to the Youth Employment Service, because of the proposals in the paper, "People and Jobs".

Mr. Peter Thomas

I will bear this suggestion in mind.

Mr. Roderick

Will the Secretary of State take the opportunity to explain the advantages, if any, of taking the work of the Youth Employment Service away from local education authorities and transferring it to the Department of Employment? Are not the right hon. and learned Gentleman and his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment satisfied with the degree of advice given by the service at present, or are they trying to blame the service for the present level of youth unemployment?

Mr. Thomas

The proposals contained in "People and Jobs" are somewhat more complicated than one would assume from what the hon. Gentleman said. These proposals are being discussed at present with the local authority associations.

Mr. Ifor Davies

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware of the dedicated service of many of these youth employment officers, who perform an essential service? Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman do all he can to ensure their professional status?

Mr. Thomas

Yes, Sir.