§ 74. Mr. Owenasked the Minister of Labour what representations he has received from co-operative and other trade interests in West Wales, concerning the impact of prevailing unemployment in the area upon the economic and social life of the community; and whether he will make a statement of Government policy for this area.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodAlthough I have received no recent representations of the kind indicated, I am, as I have already told the House, conscious of the present difficulties of West South Wales, and am in consultation with my right hon. Friends on the needs of the area. Our readiness to assist suitable new industries to establish themselves in the area is already well known.
§ 75. Mr. Owenasked the Minister of Labour what steps are being taken to find employment for the boys who will leave school at the end of the mid-summer term in the West Wales area; and whether he is aware of the difficulties facing the local youth employment officers.
§ Mr. CarrI am aware that the increase in the number of school leavers is making the work of the youth employment officers more difficult in parts of West Wales. Youth employment officers will be approaching employers well before the end of the summer term with a view to finding employment for boys leaving at the end of the term. Special efforts are being made by youth employment officers in some parts of the area to persuade employers to provide more apprenticeships for these boys.