§ 21. Mr. C. Brownasked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that as a result of the decision of the London and North Eastern Railway Company to transfer certain carriage repair work from Dukinfield, the number of unemployed in that area has been considerably increased; and whether he can take any action to mitigate these circumstances?
§ Mr. E. BrownI am aware of the decision of the railway company, and I understand that an opportunity of employment in York will be offered to certain of the workers involved. My Department will make every effort to find suitable alternative employment for the workers who are displaced as a result of the transfer.
§ Mr. C. BrownIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in this case men are being dismissed who have been employed there for as long as 20 years, that some of these men own their houses there, or are in course of buying houses, and cannot the Minister do something to avoid the evil social consequences that will arise from an action such as this?
§ Mr. E. BrownThe hon. Member is placing on me a responsibility which does not belong to me. I have no power in this matter, but I will do everything that I can to facilitate new employment for these men.
§ Mr. BennIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these men have been working at this place for years, and are now asked to go to York, and cannot go? Could not the right hon. Gentleman enter into consultation with other Departments with the object of finding some work for these works, so that these men can be employed there?
§ Mr. E. BrownI have already said that my Department will make every effort to find suitable alternative employment for the workers displaced as a result of this transfer. There is sufficient alternative employment for them in York. The action of my Department has reference to employment locally.
§ Mr. BennCould not the Minister consult with other Departments so that possibly some contract could be given, or something of that kind done, so that the men could be retained at the works at Dukinfield?
§ Mr. E. BrownThe right hon. Gentleman misunderstands the situation. The fact is that the London and North Eastern Railway are transferring the carriage and wagon-building work previously undertaken at these works to York, leaving only a small amount of repair work to the Dukinfield works. The right hon. Gentleman will see that his suggestion does not offer a solution.
§ Mr. E. SmithWill, the right hon. Gentleman consult with the Secretary of State for Air on this matter, seeing that these men are skilled men who would be suitable for that type of work?
§ Mr. E. BrownOf course, I had these implications in mind when I said that I would do all I could.
§ Mr. BennWill the Minister meet some Members from these constituencies in connection with the matter?
§ Mr. E. BrownI am always glad to meet the local Members.