HC Deb 23 May 1972 vol 837 cc1220-1
Q4. Mr. Carter

asked the Prime Minister if he is satisfied with co-ordination between the Department of Education and Science and the Department of Employment in obtaining employment for newly qualified graduates; and if he will make a statement.

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir. Responsibility for assisting newly qualified graduates to obtain their first jobs rests with the appointments services of universities and colleges. There is close liaison between these services and those of the Department of Employment.

Mr. Carter

I thank the Prime Minister for that reply. Will he confirm that the Government have no intention of using the present levels of unemployment among graduates as an excuse to reduce the number of university places?

The Prime Minister

That is certainly not the intention. As I have said on the last two occasions when this matter has been raised at Question Time, the intention is to reduce unemployment and provide greater opportunities for graduates, not only in their own specific subjects but also in the wider field of industry and administration.

Sir D. Renton

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the need to encourage many more people to become graduates in medicine, among whom there would not be the slightest chance of unemployment?

The Prime Minister

What my right hon. and learned Friend says is correct in regard to medicine and veterinary surgery.

Mr. Kaufman

Is the Prime Minister aware that, at the end of 1971, 8½ per cent. of Manchester university graduates were unemployed, compared with 5½ per cent., which was bad enough, at the end of the previous year? What specific and positive action are the Government taking to reduce the level of unemployment among graduates in Manchester?

The Prime Minister

Last Thursday, I gave the figure provided by the University Grants Committee for unemployed graduates all over the country at the end of 1971, namely 3½9 per cent., which was not very different from the national average. The expansion of the economy, particularly in engineering, will have helped the graduates in the hon. Gentleman's area.