HC Deb 04 December 1922 vol 159 cc1222-3W
Mr. R. MURRAY

asked theMinister of Labour if he is aware that there is no Employment Exchange at Gourock, Renfrewshire; that the unemployed, who number 330, have to travel to Greenock, three miles away, three times per week to register and receive their unemployment pay; and if he will have a branch Exchange established at Gourock and opened for a few hours on several days each week?

Major BOYD-CARPENTER

The question whether a temporary Office should be opened at, Gourock is under consideration, and the result will be communicated as soon as possible to the hon. Member.

Mr. SHINWELL

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that unemployed men at Blackburn, Linlithgowshire, are required to present themselves at the Bathgate Exchange, three miles away, on five days of the week; and if he will take action in the matter?

Sir M. BARLOW

I am making inquiries locally at once, and will communicate the result as soon as possible to the hon. Member.

Mr. MURRAY

asked the Minister of Labour if he will have the burgh of Gourock, Renfrewshire, certified as a distressed area, in view of the amount of unemployment in the district and of the fact that the town council is prepared to undertake suitable relief work in the form of needed public improvements, provided that a Grant towards this can be obtained from the Unemployment Grants Committee?

Major BOYD-CARPENTER

When the unemployment position in the burgh of Gourock was examined, about the middle of last month, it was found that the distress in the burgh was not of the same intensity as in many other industrial centres. My right hon. Friend is, however, making further local inquiry at once, and will communicate the result to the hon. Member as soon as possible