HC Deb 31 July 1952 vol 504 cc1675-6
29. Mr. Hamilton

asked the Minister of Labour what was the nature and extent of the consultation which he had with the trade unions concerned before the decision was taken to close his Department's local office at Kelly, Fife.

Mr. Watkinson

The officials of four trade unions were seen, or spoken to over the telephone, by the manager of the Cowdenbeath Employment Exchange.

Mr. Hamilton

How does the hon. Gentleman account for the fact that I have a reply from his Department dated 22nd July saying that five trade union officials were consulted and that the information which I got in the House on 7th May was incorrect, because at least another trade union branch was not consulted at all? Will he also reconsider his decision between now and our return in October if he gets further protests from trade union branches in this area?

Mr. Watkinson

I am not quite sure whether the hon. Member is most concerned about the number of trade unions consulted or the re-opening of the exchange. If it is the re-opening of the exchange I can say that if it is found

NUMBERS OF PERSONS REGISTERED AS UNEMPLOYED AT LEVEN, BURNTISLAND AND COWDENBEATH EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGES AT 18TH JUNE, 1951, AND 16TH JUNE, 1952.
Employment Exchange 18th June, 1951 16th June, 1952
Wholly Unemployed Temporarily Stopped Wholly Unemployed Temporarily Stopped
Leven 192 7 365 38
Burntisland 39 — 62 1
Cowdenbeath (including Youth Employment Office) 372 11 463 36
Figures are available for one date only in the middle of each month.

that great inconvenience is being felt the matter will be examined.

Mr. Hamilton

Will the hon. Gentleman consider giving to unemployed men in this area facilities which have been granted in other areas where such offices have been closed, namely, postal facilities to save them payment of fares totalling 1s. 4d. each week?

Mr. Watkinson

I will certainly look into that.