§ 33. Mr. T. JOHNSTONasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that unemployed workers in the Lennox-town parish of Stirlingshire have been compelled to travel to the Employment Exchange at Kirkintilloch, in Dumbartonshire; that sometimes they have been compelled to wade through floods; that one man at Allanhead had to walk 7½ miles each way; and if the arrangements at present in force for paying benefit at Lennoxtown are temporary or permanent?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Mr. Shaw)I have reviewed the exchange facilities in the Kirkintilloch area. The office at Lennoxtown is now being opened on three days a week, and payment of benefit will be made there instead of at Kirkintilloch. Lennoxtown claimants will now attend at Kirkintilloch only if they commence a spell of unemployment on a day when the Lennoxtown office is closed, and desire to claim for that day. These arrangements will be continued so long as the number of claimants justifies them. No complaints regarding floods in the area have been received by my local officers.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that up to now the only persons who have been able to obtain benefit at this particular exchange are those employed by one firm, and will he see that all the unemployed persons in that area are paid at that local exchange, and not compelled to wade through floods for their money?
§ Mr. SHAWI am not aware of the facts stated in the first part of the question. As far as the second part of the question is concerned, I will see to it that all applicants in the same area are treated in the same way.