HC Deb 26 June 1957 vol 572 cc185-7
12. Mr. H. Hynd

asked the Minister of Labour what representations he has received from the local employment committees concerned about his proposal to close the employment exchanges at Clayton-le-Moors, Oswaldtwistle and Rishton; and what decision he has reached as a result of those representations.

Mr. Iain Macleod

The two committees concerned have asked me, by a majority in each case, to retain the offices at these places. I have not yet reached a final decision but the committees do not appear to have brought forward any new point and I do not think I shall be able to agree that the offices should not be closed.

Mr. Hynd

Will the Minister take into consideration that he is proposing to close three out of four employment exchanges in this constituency, and is not that a rather drastic action?

Mr. Macleod

Of course, it has not in any sense been done on a constituency basis. I have reviewed all the employment exchanges throughout the country and in the case of these offices the reason is proximity and nearness to Accrington. I will take into account what the hon. Gentleman has said before reaching a final decision.

Mr. Robens

As the Minister submitted to this House a list of employment exchanges which he proposed to close and indicated that he would first consult the local employment committees and obtain their advice on the matter before taking action, will he inform the House, in the same way as he told us about his first proposals, what exchanges he actually proposes to close before he takes action, so that we may have an opportunity to express our views upon the whole matter?

Mr. Macleod

No, I do not think I will give that undertaking. I told the House in detail of my plans and I said I would have full discussions with the local employment committees and other people concerned. After that it is necessary for me to make up my mind.

Mr. Robens

As the Minister did bring the whole matter to the House, and as I am in a way responsible for labour relations on behalf of the party on this side of the House, may I ask whether it will be necessary for me to put down a Question about every employment exchange in order to elicit information about it?

Mr. Macleod

Of course, the right hon. Gentleman can follow what procedure he wishes; but I have no wish to be difficult about this and perhaps I could have a word with the right hon. Gentleman later. I will try to find a way to produce the information which the right hon. Gentleman requires. I am merely saying that I am sure it would be wrong to make a statement to the House on each of the 150 different cases.

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