HL Deb 13 July 1965 vol 268 cc97-8

2.37 p.m.

LORD BYERS

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they would be prepared to contribute a sum not exceeding £1,000 to the cost of running centres, such as the Trafalgar Street one in Newcastle, which provide temporary work for the unemployed school-leavers until they can obtain permanent posts.]

LORD SORENSEN

My Lords, while I am aware of the good work done at the Trafalgar Street Centre, there are many competing claims on national resources and the Government would not feel justified in subsidising this or other such centres from public funds.

LORD BYERS

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for answering the Question. May I ask, does he not feel that it is rather short-sighted not to encourage movements of this sort, which have the backing of local trade unions, local businesses and local authorities, and have collected money in order to give the school-leavers a chance of doing something useful instead of going straight on to the dole? Could this matter not be reviewed?

LORD SORENSEN

One appreciates entirely the concern of the noble Lord, but I would point out that if this particular claim were admitted, a large number of other claims might also have to be admitted. In these circumstances it is felt by the Government that the inherent possibilities are, financially, too serious for them to accept this proposal. May I add further that, in fact, of the 483 boys who left school in Newcastle at Easter, fourteen are registered as unemployed—only fourteen—so there is obviously no difficulty in placing these boys.

LORD BYERS

My Lords, may I ask whether the noble Lord is aware that that was a typical Government answer which could have been given by any Government. This is a matter of finding something like £1,000 for one centre, just as a contribution, to provide someone to run it permanently. It may be that only fourteen boys are registered as unemployed, but are not fourteen school-leavers important to the community—for the sake of £1,000? Is the noble Lord aware that there would be a considerable saving in money which otherwise would go out in National Assistance?

LORD SORENSEN

Of course it is a typical reply and, I suppose, it is a typical Minister giving the typical reply. I assure the noble Lord again that it is not for any lack of concern for the boys. The fact remains that only a very small number are at the moment registered as unemployed, and no doubt they will be employed very soon. Although this is a very worthy effort, which secures substantial funds from voluntary concerns, the principle involved, if financial assistance is given by the Government, might mean that many others would make equally powerful claims. In these circumstances nothing else can be done.

LORD BYERS

My Lords, may I ask the noble Lord whether, if the number goes up to 50, he will provide £2,500?

LORD SORENSEN

I personally will not, but I can assure the noble Lord that I will draw the matter to the attention of the Minister.

LORD MOLSON

Is it not the case that there are a great many more vacant places than there are unemployed school-leavers?

LORD SORENSEN

Yes, as a matter of fact about ten times more.