§ 50. Mr. Goughasked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a statement on the youth problem as it affects new towns; and if he will set up an appropriate committee to investigate and report upon the special problems that exist in these communities.
§ Mr. P. ThomasIn the new towns, young people form a smaller part of the working population and, in general, their employment prospects compare favourably with many other areas over the next year or two. The "bulge" of school leavers will not reach its peak in the new towns until sometime after 1962—the peak year for the country as a whole; it will be proportionately larger and will persist for some years. The long term problems involved are being studied by the Departments concerned and the Development Corporations. I do not think that any special Committee is needed at present, but I will bear the suggestion in mind.