§ Mr. Battleyasked the Minister of Education, in view of the increase in the number of juvenile offenders, especially in the year preceding the school-leaving age, if she will undertake an inquiry into the number and geographical position of youth clubs, recreational centres and similar organisations in England and Wales; into the age-groups embraced; as 234W to whether suitable co-ordination exists between these organisations; and whether there are sufficient leaders to take charge of the facilities already afforded.
§ Miss WilkinsonThe Ministry is already well informed of the general position by means of the programmes and estimates which the local education authorities submit annually. Both the Ministry and the local education authorities are anxious to develop these facilities. As soon as existing restrictions on the use of labour and materials can be relaxed, local education authorities and voluntary organisations will be ready to press on with the developments which are required. I think a special inquiry is not called for, as I propose to as local education authorities in the near future to submit their schemes of further education as required by Section 42 of the Education Act, 1944. The Ministry will examine these schemes carefully in order to ensure that provision is adequate and suitable co-ordination exists between the various organisations. The question of improving the supply and training of leaders, both paid and voluntary, is now under active consideration by the Ministry.