HC Deb 18 June 1971 vol 819 c150W
Sir Elwyn Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many young people in the United Kingdom under 18 years of age are now out of work; and how many have been unable to find a job since they left school.

Mr. Dudley Smith

At 10th May, 42,493 persons under 18 years of age were registered as unemployed in the United Kingdom. Of these, 7,429 were school-leavers registered for first employment.

Sir Elwyn Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps are being taken to improve the prospects for employment for the large number of school leavers, particularly in the New-ham area, who will be seeking work when the present school term ends.

Mr. Dudley Smith

I hope that the measures which the Government are taking to restore business confidence will have the result of creating more job opportunities and that this year's summer term school leavers, both in New-ham and in Great Britain as a whole, will benefit as a result. Careers officers have been canvassing employers for vacancies for summer term leavers and will do all they can to help them find suitable employment.