HC Deb 26 November 1979 vol 974 c435W
Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what proposals he has to ensure that adequate careers advice geared to the needs of industry and the professions is provided for third to fifth year secondary pupils.

Mr. Jim Lester

Careers officers who give this advice are employed by local education authorities and they are trained, under the auspices of the local Government training board, in the study of industrial and professional occupations.

My careers service inspectors are continually monitoring the adequacy of local arrangements for careers officers to keep themselves well informed of the changing needs of industry and the professions and to ensure that those needs are reflected in the advice they give to school children. The inspectors draw the attention of local authorities to any weaknesses they may find.