§ 25. Mr. KIRKWOODasked the Minister of Labour why her Department was not informed of the dates during which the Singer Sewing Machine works at Clydebank were to be closed down, seeing that these dates have been posted in the works for some time; what machinery exists for keeping his Department informed of the temporary closing of works which involves loss of employ- 600 ment to workers; and what steps are being taken to decide the question whether the employés of the Singer Sewing Machine works are eligible for unemployment benefit?
§ Miss BONDFIELDOn making further inquiries, I find that the local officers of the Department have been aware of the dates fixed for closing. Workers at the establishment referred to are resident over a wide area in the neighbourhood of Glasgow, and arrangements have been made at all the local offices of the Department likely to be affected to deal as expeditiously as possible with the claims for benefit, which will no doubt be made in due course by the workers. Decisions will be given as to the amount of benefit payable in each case when the claims are made.
§ Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLEWould it not be much more to the point if the right hon. Lady took steps to keep these works open?
Sir NAIRNE STEWART SANDEMANIs this to apply to other towns, like Dundee, as well as to Glasgow where the same position arises?
§ Miss BONDFIELDYes. Wherever we know that large works are liable to be closed down, we take special steps to meet the situation.
§ Mr. O'CONNORAre special steps being taken in Nottingham in view of the lapsing of the Safeguarding Duties?