§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he is aware that since 1974 unemployment has increased by 900,000 to 1.5 million, that in January 1978 it was the highest since 1940, that the number of school leavers was up by nearly 60,000 to more than 600,000; what action he has taken or intends taking to deal with this problem; 384W and what successes he has had with actions already taken.
§ Mr. GoldingI am aware of the serious unemployment situation and that the number of school leavers wanting employmetn and training has been increasing.
On 15th March my right hon. Friend informed the House of further steps which should increase the support for jobs or training places from the present 320,000 to 400,000 by March 1979. A range of opportunities for unemployed young people to improve their employment prospects will be provided under the youth opportunities programme which will become fully operational in September 1978.