§ 51. Mr. BUCHANANasked the Minister of Labour the number of inspectors situated in Scotland and who deal with the trade boards; if any inspector is situated in Glasgow and, if so, where is the office; and, if not, can he state why none is situated in this centre?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThere are six trade board inspectors in Scotland. It is found that these inspectors can be more efficiently employed by utilising them wherever they are required, rather than by allocating them to particular districts. For this reason there is no separate office at Glasgow or elsewhere, other than the headquarters office at 44, Drumsheugh Gardens, Edinburgh.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIn view of the fact that Glasgow is the largest industrial centre in Scotland, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the setting up of an office where advice can be sought, and information given to the people who wish to have it?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDComplaints as regards any breach can either be reported to the Edinburgh office or to any Employment Exchange.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIt is not always complaints, but constantly working people are asking for advice, and would like help on certain matters. At present they have no definite place to which to go in a big industrial centre. Will the right hon. Gentleman consider setting up an advisory office?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI will consider it from that point of view, which I had not in mind, and I will see whether any change is advisable after examining that point of view.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIn view of the fact that new offices are about to be built in Glasgow will the right hon. Gentleman 416 consider setting apart at least one day a week on which advice can be given?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI have already told the hon. Member that he has put forward an aspect of the matter with which I was not familiar. I will again look into the subject from that point of view.