26. Mr. Slaterasked the Minister of Labour what consultations are held, and with whom, before decisions are made about the siting of employment exchanges; and to what extent such decisions are based on a population basis within a given area.
§ Mr. GreenUnder the Employment and Training Act, 1948, my right hon Friend has to decide what is a fit place for an employment exchange and, in doing so, an account of local opinion is naturally taken. There are not necessarily any formal consultations. The population of the area in question is among the matters to which attention is given.
Mr. SlaterDoes not the hon. Gentleman agree that it would be to the advantage of many people who have to sign on the unemployment register if sub-offices could be opened? He has had correspondence with me about one specific case where people signing on had to take two different buses to the main office. It would be an advantage if more sub-offices were opened.
§ Mr. GreenWherever it is convenient to do so, either an out-office is established or some other arrangement is made. I will see whether something convenient can be done if the hon. Gentleman will write to me about the details of any particular case.