HC Deb 06 March 1956 vol 549 cc1906-7
18. Miss Herbison

asked the Minister of Labour when he proposes to establish a Remploy factory in Scotland for persons suffering from tuberculosis.

Mr. Iain Macleod

The provision of a Remploy factory in Glasgow for tuberculous persons will have high priority in any future expansion programme. But as I told the hon. Member for Barking (Mr. Hastings), on 28th February, 1956, I cannot, in present conditions, hold out hope of further factories being provided.

Miss Herbison

As it is a very long time since the Minister's predecessor gave almost exactly the same answer to this Question when I put it down before, that is, "Leev aul horse and ye'll get corn," can we possibly be told this afternoon when it is likely that work will be provided for these very deserving people, particularly in Glasgow and the West of Scotland?

Mr. Macleod

I recognise the need and I have indicated the high priority which I attach to this particular provision of a Remploy factory for these purposes in a future programme, but I cannot go beyond the announcement that I gave to the House in reply to the hon. Member for Barking.

Miss Herbison

Is the Minister not aware that to talk about high priority when nothing is being done brings no comfort to those people who have been waiting a very long time for this type of employment? Surely this hopelessly incompetent Government can at least give some thought to these people.

Mr. Macleod

When the hon. Lady talks about an incompetent Government, it may be as well to explain why seven Remploy factories for this purpose were built in England and, under her Government, none was provided in Scotland.

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