HC Deb 21 July 1976 vol 915 cc1775-7
6. Mr. Gorden Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations have been made to him about the availability of jobs for school leavers.

16. Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the extent of unemployment in Scotland as far as school leavers are concerned.

22. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his latest assessment of the economic situation in Scotland, with particular reference to youth employment prospects.

Mr. Gregor MacKenzie

The July unemployment figures announced yesterday include some 22,700 school leavers. The various measures announced by the Government to alleviate unemployment are particularly aimed at youth unemployment.

Mr. Wilson

In view of the disgraceful information that that answer has disclosed, does the Minister agree that the Job Creation Programme and the other economic measures that the Government have introduced have made very little impact on unemployment, particularly among young people? Does he further agree that some further massive Government effort is needed? Does he accept that, tied as Scotland is to the declining economy of the United Kingdom, unemployment must be the fate of many Scottish school leavers?

Mr. MacKenzie

I am not happy with the current level of unemployment among young people, or any other group of poeple, but the hon. Gentleman should recognise that the school leaver recruit- ment subsidy scheme has created a considerable number of jobs, as has the Job Creation Programme. Taking those measures with the various other measures that the Government have introduced over the past year, it will be seen that in the present economic circumstances we are doing everything we can to sort out a difficult problem.

Mr. Hamilton

As this serious problem—which arises throughout Europe and is not just a Scottish problem—is likely to be with us for a considerable time, will the Government seriously consider a scheme of voluntary civilian national service within the social services? Would not that be better than paying unemployment and social security benefit and would it not additionally preserve the personal dignity of each person involved?

Mr. MacKenzie

The Government are at all times willing to listen to and examine any schemes that are put forward, but I genuinely believe that we have to get to the root cause of the problem. As my hon. Friend properly says, the problem is not peculiar to the United Kingdom; it is world-wide. It will be seen that with the regional development incentives, the accelerated programmes and all the other measures, we are making a contribution.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

What new measures does the Minister propose to introduce to reduce the frightening level of unemployment in Scotland?

Mr. MacKenzie

As I say, there is the school leaver recruitment scheme, the Job Creation Programme, accelerated investment programmes and industry schemes. These schemes take time, but they are working for the people of Scotland. To suggest that Scotland would do any better on its own is absolute nonsense.

Mr. Dempsey

The jobs that have been created by the Job Creation Programme and other measures are welcome, but does not my hon. Friend agree that they are not a permanent solution to the problem? Will he consider an extension of the provisions of additional training places so that when the upturn in the economy occurs and the world has slipped away from the trade recession, which is the cause of the present crisis, young people with the necessary skills will be available to meet the rising demands from all over the world?

Mr. MacKenzie

During the last two and a half years, we have made considerable progress in training many young people, especially in the new technologies. The Government are sorting out inflation problems and issues of that kind, and tackling the fundamental problem of creating jobs in the newer industries, which will be to the benefit of young people.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

Is it not disgraceful that on this vital issue affecting Scotland the Secretary of State should shelter behind an answer of his Minister of State? Is the Secretary of State not ashamed that the unemployment figure among school leavers is nearly three times higher than it has been under any previous Government? Have not the Labour Government been in power for two and a half years? There can be no alibis. The Labour Party's policies are bankrupt. Will the Minister of State recommend his right hon. Friend to get out?

Mr. MacKenzie

I am sure that that will look very good in the Press tomorrow—

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

Treat it seriously.

Mr. MacKenzie

Does the hon. Gentleman want an answer? He should not make declarations of that kind. Not many days ago my right hon. Friend answered a debate on this issue very effectively from this Box. He is hiding behind no one.