HC Deb 02 May 1973 vol 855 cc1226-7
1. Mr. Sillars

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will discuss with the Scottish Economic Council the problems which will arise in placing school leavers in suitable jobs in 1973 and 1974.

The Under-Secretary of State for Development, Scottish Office (Mr. George Younger)

Reduction of unemployment for both adults and young people is a primary aim of the Government's policies for the stimulation of economic growth and these policies are clearly meeting with success.

The unemployment situation is an important aspect of the Scottish economy which, as my right hon. Friend told the hon. Member for Aberdeen, North (Mr. Robert Hughes) on 21st February, is regularly discussed at meetings of the Scottish Economic Council.—[Vol. 851, c. 444–6.]

Mr. Sillars

Despite that answer, does not the Minister agree that the future employment situation facing young people is very grave especially in the light of continuing high unemployment in Scotland? Will he ask the Secretary of State whether he and the council will consider approaching employers in the private and public sectors to increase the apprenticeship intake and opportunities for young people generally over the next two years?

Mr. Younger

I will certainly discuss that with my right hon. Friend. I agree that any unemployment of young people is particularly serious. The hon. Gentleman will be glad to know that since April 1972 there has been a reduction of 4,902 in unemployment among young persons. That represents a fall of about 44 per cent.

Mr. Ross

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the school leaving age has been raised, which meant that there was no flow of young people from school in January of this year? Does he appreciate that it will probably take until next January to clear those out and that then there will be a resumed flow with 20,000 youngsters leaving school? Will he take steps to ensure that consideration is given to the provision of work at that time?

Mr. Younger

I agree with the right hon. Gentleman that any support we can give must be carefully considered, particularly by the Scottish Economic Council. I am sure he will agree that the main way to secure jobs for these school leavers is to see that the expansion in the economy is kept going and that inflation is defeated. No doubt we will have his support in this.

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