§ 55. Mr. SCRYMGEOURasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that, at the Dundee office, large numbers of women and children as well as men have often to stand outside during inclement weather conditions; whether there is insufficient accommodation within the building; and, if so, will he be prepared to consider the erection of an enclosed awning under which the queue might obtain shelter adjacent to the entrance?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI have made inquiry and am assured that adequate accommodation exists and that the formation of queues would be avoided if applicants did not attend before their proper time.
§ Mr. SCRYMGEOURIs the hon. Member aware that representations have been made by business interests in the vicinity and by the working-classes, but the fact remains that these people are still obliged to stand in queues, and will he reconsider the matter?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI can assure the hon. Gentleman that we are most anxious to avoid queues in all circumstances, but the only way of avoiding them is for the applicants to come at the appointed time, and no other method will avoid an evil which we all deplore.
§ Mr. SCRYMGEOURCan the Parliamentary Secretary give consideration to the fact that under the exigency which occurs from time to time it is necessary to make such provision?
§ Mr. BETTERTONWe have considered the matter, and we have come to the conclusion that, instead of helping the situation, our interference might make the position worse, and it might encourage people not to come at the appointed time.