HC Deb 12 June 1973 vol 857 c1188
9. Mr. Carter

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the latest figure for unemployment amongst under-18s in Birmingham.

Mr. Dudley Smith

Five hundred and seventy-one young people were registered as unemployed in Birmingham on 14th May.

Mr. Carter

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the figure is much less than it was last year? Large numbers—[Interruption.] It is nevertheless far too high. Is he aware that a growing number of school leavers are having to spend long periods unemployed before finding employment? What action does he propose to take to ensure that school leavers go straight into jobs and do not spend three or four months serving apprenticeships in the dole queue?

Mr. Smith

That is exactly the kind of action that the Government have been taking. Employment prospects for young people in the Birmingham area are good. There is no denying that. I have quoted the figure of 571 young people unemployed, but there are now 3,103 vacancies for them, which represents 2,000 more than a year ago.