HC Deb 14 June 1937 vol 325 cc20-1
41. Mr. Lathan

asked the Minister of Labour the circumstances responsible for the proposal to close the Abbeydale Employment Exchange, Sheffield, at which over 1,800 unemployed persons are regularly signing on; whether he has considered the petition against closure signed by the majority of these persons; and whether he is aware that the closing of the exchange will impose serious hardship upon many of the unemployed, including elderly men and war cripples?

Mr. E. Brown

On the first point I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Sheffield, Central (Mr. Boulton) on Thursday last. I have received the petition to which the hon. Member refers, but I cannot regard the closing of this office as a hardship in view of the improved facilities afforded by the main Sheffield Exchange. There are 22 disabled men affected. Of these, 15 will be paid at the premises of a local settlement. Special signature concessions will be applied to the remaining seven.

Mr. Marshall

Is the Minister aware that some of the people affected live four or five miles away from the main exchange?

Mr. Brown

That is not peculiar to this particular part of the city, and, as the hon. Member will know, special transport facilities are available.

Mr. Marshall

Is it the policy of the Department to put men to the maximum of inconvenience in that respect?

Mr. Brown

My answer shows that it is entirely different.

Mr. Lathan

Is it not a fact that exchanges are provided for a smaller number of men than will be affected by this alteration?

Mr. Brown

That may be so, but the circumstances of those cases may be entirely different.