HC Deb 17 February 1964 vol 689 cc152-3W
Mr. Spriggs

asked the Minister of Labour, in view of the large number of unemployed young men and women who lobbied Members of Parliament on 10th February, 1964, what action he is taking to improve the employment prospects for school leavers and young people generally in the North-West and Merseyside area.

Mr. Whitelaw

Employment prospects for young people in these areas have been improving in recent months although there was a small rise in unemployment between December and January due partly to the influx of some Christmas leavers. Since October, 1963, the number of unemployed boys and girls has fallen by 40 per cent. in the North Western Region and 36 per cent. in the Merseyside area. Despite this, vacancies have risen in both the Region and on Merseyside. Young people on Merseyside and in other development districts will benefit from the action which the Government is taking under the Local Employment Acts to increase employment opportunities. The assistance which, as my right hon. Friend recently announced, the Government is providing for the development of group training schemes, will be available in areas like Merseyside which suffer from exceptionally high unemployment amongst young people.