§ Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Labour, in view of the alteration in the records of school-leavers which he has recently authorised, how many youth employment officers there are; what is their annual cost to the taxpayer; what useful purpose their work in the future will serve; and whether he will close down this service.
§ Mr. WatkinsonThere are approximately 900 youth employment officers employed by the Ministry and by local education authorities. The total estimated cost of these officers to the Exchequer in the financial year 1952–53 is estimated very roughly at £440,000. I regard this service as performing a function essential to young people and to industry.