§ Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Secretary of State for Wales by what percentage unemployment has increased among school leavers in Wales during the past year; what were the corresponding figures for the past 10 pears; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MorrisThere has in fact been a fall. The number of unemployed school leavers in Wales in February 1978 was 3,613. The corresponding figure for February 1979 was 2,949, a reduction of 664 on the February 1978 figure, or 18.4 per cent. Corresponding changes over the last 10 years are given in the table below.
It is important to note that the total number of school leavers under 18 has increased subsantially over the last 10 years—from 32,900 in the academic year September 1968—July 1969, to 40,855 in the academic year September 1977—July 1978.
Corresponding figures for the last 10 years are as follows:
per cent. 1968 22.3 1969 16.8 1970 17.2 1971 23.5 1972 21.9 1973 18.9 1974 16.2 1975 15.8 1976 17.3 1977 22.6