HC Deb 28 February 1962 vol 654 cc1313-4
8. Commander Donaldson

asked the Minister of Labour how many employees of British Railways became redundant on the closure of the Edinburgh, Peebles, Galashiels branch line; and what steps have been taken to provide them with alternative employment.

Mr. Green

I understand that fifty-eight workers became redundant on the other people who are prepared to put that principle into operation?

Mr. Green

It does not fall to me to answer a great deal of what the hon. Gentleman has said, but perhaps there are one or two points to which I should reply. Blyth and Seaton Delaval were listed as development districts on 14th December, 1961. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that there is close cooperation betwen Ministry of Labour and the Board of Trade, and we are doing all we can. We do not dissent from the idea that people should have employment where this can be profitably and reasonably done, and we are seeking to secure that.