HC Deb 23 January 1963 vol 670 cc73-4W
52. Mr. Driberg

asked the Minister of Labour how many persons were registered as unemployed in the borough of Barking, Essex, on 31st December, in the years 1950, 1961, and 1962.

Mr. Hare

Figures are available only for the day of the count of the numbers unemployed. On 10th December, 1962, there were 389 persons registered as unemployed at Barking Employment Exchange, in whose area the Borough of Barking is mainly situated, compared with 196 in December, 1950, and 261 in December, 1961.

53. Mr. Driberg

asked the Minister of Labour how many apprenticeships were available in or near the borough of Barking, Essex, for boys who left school in Barking in 1962; what percentage of school-leavers are now apprenticed; what percentage are unemployed or in temporary jobs; and what steps he is taking to encourage employers in this neighbourhood to make more apprenticeships available.

Mr. Hare

121 or 17 per cent. of boys in Barking who entered employment in 1962 obtained apprenticeships in or within travelling distance of the borough. 10.8 per cent. of the boy Christmas leavers, but no Easter or summer leavers were still registered for employment on 14th January. Figures are not available of those in temporary jobs. In addition to those obtaining apprenticeships, 42.4 per cent. of Barking boys in 1962 entered employment with training lasting at least a year, a proportion much higher than the national and regional percentages and the 1961 Barking figure. I shall continue to urge industry to increase training opportunities of all kinds.