HC Deb 22 October 1991 vol 196 cc787-8
9. Mr. Battle

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment when his Department intends to (a) reopen a jobcentre in the Leeds, West constituency and (b) provide at least one job club in the Leeds, West constituency.

Mr. Jackson

I remember that the hon. Gentleman raised this matter in January. I have looked at it again, but, as he knows, we have no plans to reopen a jobcentre in Leeds, West. Clients in the area are served by the integrated jobcentre at Stanningley. Jobcentre facilities are available in nearby Pudsey, Yeadon and central Leeds. We do not have plans for a job club in Leeds, West because constituents can use the job club facilities at Pudsey jobcentre, which is within easy travelling distance, and in central Leeds, where facilities are being extended following my right hon. and learned Friend's announcement on 19 June about extra job club places.

Mr. Battle

Is the Minister aware that in a written question on 26 February 1981 one of his predecessors promised the House that he would defer the closure of jobcentres until unemployment fell? Is he further aware that unemployment in my constituency rose by 42 per cent. between last September and this September? Will he confirm that people who have to travel from my constituency to visit job clubs and jobcentres have to pay for that? What action will he take to provide a service to my unemployed constituents, or is he trying to pretend that they do not exist?

Mr. Jackson

We make no such pretence. For the enlightenment of the House, I must say that the nearest jobcentre at Stanningley is only one and a half miles away from the hon. Gentleman's constituency. I do not think that he has a good case. The services that are provided by jobcentres are being much improved. Hon. Members who visit their jobcentres—I hope that they all do—will know that that is true. They are being improved in the hon. Gentleman's area and I do not believe that he has a fair ground for complaint.

Mr. Battle

On a point of order. Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I give notice that I intend to raise the matter on the Adjournment.