§ 38. Sir John Mellorasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the unemployment in the building industry, he will now withdraw Circular 618, which required highway authorities to dismiss over 20 per cent. of their roadmen in order that they could be employed on rural housing; and whether those dismissed can now be re-employed as roadmen.
§ Mr. BarnesNo, Sir: It has never been suggested that the men released should be employed only in rural housing.
§ Sir J. MellorIs the right hon. Gentle man aware that these dismissals would not only be disastrous to the roads but extremely hard upon the older men who, unavoidably, will be selected by the highway authorities for dismissal?
§ Mr. BarnesThat raises the larger issue of policy which is involved. At the moment I was answering the point that they are not limited to rural housing.
§ Sir J. MellorWill the right hon. Gentleman look into the position, particularly in Warwickshire, when he will find that what I have said is correct?
§ Mr. BowlesIs it not a fact that the Warwickshire County Council is a Conservative council?
§ Major Legge-BourkeDoes not the Minister appreciate that if these older men are dismissed they will find it very hard to get another job, and that although 16 some of them are drawing pensions they are keen to carry on working?