HC Deb 12 March 1963 vol 673 cc1155-6
6. Miss Herbison

asked the Postmaster-General when work will begin on the erection of the Crown Post Office at Shotts

Mr. Mawby

I regret that it is not yet possible to give a starting date for the building of this office, because of the quantity of more urgent building work already programmed.

Miss Herbison

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that there is very high unemployment in this area and that even the provision of a few jobs in the building of such a post office would be a help and would be welcomed? Does the Postmaster-General take into account the help which this would be in lowering unemployment as some other Ministers do when they are considering what projects should go ahead?

Mr. Mawby

Naturally, that point is taken into account, but we must also take into account the fact that the help that it would give in a high unemployment area is very marginal indeed. However, in this case, I will certainly take particular note of the point which the hon. Lady has made.

Miss Herbison

Even though the unemployment may be marginal, is not the hon. Gentleman aware that employment for two or three or ten unemployed men would be of very great help to those who get the work in an area where most unemployed are long-term unemployed?

Mr. Mawby

We are currently examining how we can in our minor works programme pay particular attention to areas in which such projects arise, and I hope that from this we shall be able to make a little progress.