Catalogue description Youth Enquiry (Longford, Stewart and Crossman Enquiry): Records

Original numerical sequence of creating body has been followed

The Youth Enquiry was a survey of the adequacy of social services for youth in the age range 15-21 years. It was proposed in a minute from Lord Longford, then Lord Privy Seal, to Harold Wilson, Prime Minister, on 10 October 1966. After consultations between Lord Longford, the Home Secretary, and the Secretary of State for Education and Science, the enquiry was set up on a confidential basis by the Prime Minister's personal minute to Lord Longford of 23 May 1967. Lord Longford served as its first chairperson.

The terms of reference were -

"To carry out a survey of those services (social services for youth) with the aim of collecting factual information about the extent to which the services provided by various Departments are adequate to the needs and whether there are still gaps which need to be filled within the range of services provided".

Departmental liaison officers to the enquiry were appointed by several departments, namely Education and Science; Home Office; Health; Employment and Productivity; Housing and Local Government; and Social Security. The Ministry of Defence appointed a departmental liaison officer to provide information about the Sea Cadet Corps and Army Youth Teams etc after the enquiry was set up. The Welsh Office and Welsh Board of Health were also contacted and invited to give evidence. Invitations to consult the information gathered by the enquiry and to give evidence were also sent to the Central Statistical Office; General Register Office; the Government Social Survey; and the Cabinet Office.

Several problems beset the enquiry, including the resignation of Lord Longford in late 1967. It then continued under the control of Michael Stewart (First Secretary of State, 1966-1968) and after spring 1968, under the control of Richard Crossman (Lord President of the Council). A preliminary report was produced by the secretary to the enquiry, Joan Bourne, in September 1968 (CAB 153/230), but the suggestions and recommendations it contained were not pursued. The functions of the Enquiry Office continued until March 1970, by which time all requested evidence and information had been received. No final report was ever issued.