§ Mr. Aitkenasked the Secretary of State for Employment what is his policy towards the initiative of the Kent County Council in doing everything possible to help unemployed school leavers to find employment within the Kent area; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GoldingI am pleased that the Kent County Council has apealed to employers to co-operate with the careers service in providing more employment and training opportunities for young people, particularly those now leaving school.
The Government hope that employers throughout the country will be encouraged to take full advantage of the various special schemes which have been introduced to combat youth unemployment. The success of the expanded programme of youth opportunities which my right hon. Friend announced on 29th June will depend very much upon community initiatives of the kind displayed by the county council, and upon local participation generally.