§ 7. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Transport when he received from the Aberdeen Branch of the Transport Salaried Staffs Association a letter 1007 concerning the closing of Aberdeen district traffic office and the consequent dismissal of large numbers of the railway staff; what reply he has sent; why it is to be closed; how many of the staff will be dismissed; and if he is aware that the closure of this office will inflict loss and damage on the trade, business and employment of Aberdeen.
§ Mr. SwinglerI regret that my Department has no record of receiving this letter. The subject is in any case a matter for the British Railways Board, and we have sent it a copy of the letter my hon. and learned Friend wrote to the Minister.
§ Mr. HughesWill my hon. Friend take steps to countermand the closure of this traffic office? Does he realise that it is aiming a blow at the trade, industry, commerce and employment of Aberdeen? It is thoroughly wrong. Will he countermand it?
§ Mr. SwinglerThis is not a matter in which my right hon. Friend has any power to intervene. It is an administrative matter between the management of the Railways Board and the staff. There is a proper procedure for discussing this question. I believe that it is being discussed between the management and the staff. Therefore, the representations of my hon. and larned Friend will be taken into account by the Board.