HC Deb 08 March 1937 vol 321 cc790-1
41. Mr. Eckersley

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether before the plans for the new Employment Exchange in Manchester are approved, full consideration will be given to the value to the city of the Robey Street branch of the Manchester Royal Infirmary and to the necessity for ensuring that the new exchange will not interfere with its light or amenities?

50. Mr. Cary

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the fact that the new Employment Exchange building which is being erected close to the south wall of the Manchester Royal Infirmary will rob of light and render useless the wards of this institution; and whether, in view of this fact and the fact that a large sum of money has recently been spent on the infirmary, he will give instructions that some other empty space or unused building in the district should be used for this purpose?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Lieut. - Colonel Muirhead)

I have been asked to reply. I am aware of the position regarding the erection of the new central Employment Exchange for Manchester, and my right hon. Friend and the First Commissioner for Works have discussed the matter with the chairman and other members of the board of the Royal Infirmary. After very careful consideration, my right hon. Friend has decided that the building of the exchange should proceed, and the contractors are now working on the site.

Mr. Eckersley

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that this building, if erected in accordance with the present plans, will entirely block out the light from the present surgical ward of the hospital, which is a voluntary hospital, and as such is essential to the amenities of the centre of the city?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

I do not think it is correct to say that it will entirely block out the light. The angle of light that will be permitted is certainly at any rate as great, and in many places greater than can be insisted upon.

Mr. Thorne

May I ask the Prime Minister when he intends to elect a Commissioner of Works?

Mr. Crossley

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that the Manchester medical officer of health has expressed his opinion that the proposed building will render this hospital entirely unsuitable for its present purpose?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

I have given my answer about the question of lighting. I can only add that the Manchester Royal Infirmary have been conscious that this

The Table below shows the numbers of unemployed persons on the registers of the Barnsley Employment Exchange and Juvenile Employment Bureau in the months in question.
Month. 1932. 1933. 1934. 1935. 1936.
January … … … 8,629 9,544 8,793 9,946 10,372
February … … … 9,567 10,521 9,015 10,837 9,538
March … … … 12,337 10,133 8,979 9,822 8,824
July … … … 16,551 13.823 14,909 15,048 12,916
August … … … 16,981 15,730 14,831 17,617 11,137
September … … … 15,572 12,609 11,478 12,610 10,851