§ Mr. W. Hamiltonasked the Minister of Labour how many psychologists have been employed by his Department in each of the last five years why there is to be an increase of one in the financial year 1963–64; and what is the nature of their work.
§ Mr. HareThe number of psychologists employed by my Department on 1st January of each of the last five years has been as follows: 17, 16, 21, 21 and 19. The present authorised complement is 22.
Most of the psychologists are employed in industrial rehabilitation units where they undertake vocational assessment and guidance. One is engaged on industrial rehabilitation work at headquarters. The remaining two posts at headquarters are in the youth employment branch, where the duties include the training of youth employment officers, taking part in inspections and the study of vocational guidance techniques. The additional post recently created in the youth employment branch is necessary to deal with the growing volume of work.
166Wmonths, monthly figures and percentages of unemployment in the northern region and Gateshead and district employment exchange area, respectively, together with the average percentage for the previous 12 months in each case.