§ Mr. JOHNSTONasked the Minister for Labour (1) whether he is aware that the only public works in the town of Lennoxtown, Stirlingshire, is being closed down as a result of reorganisation and concentration by the proprietors; and, in view of the fact that there is no prospect of alternative employment locally and that there will ensue serious unemployment and financial loss to the district, whether he can take any steps to draw the attention of prospective employers to the existence of modern public works and facilities for manufacture with a view to enabling the continuance of employment in the town;
(2) whether he has made any Departmental arrangements with a view to the prevention of unemployment whereby the attention of prospective employers may be drawn to lists of vacant and suitable premises for manufacture; and, if not, whether he will get returns from the managers of local Employment Exchanges of such premises and take such steps as are available to him to give the returns widespread publicity?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThe situation at Lennoxtown has not been reported to me, though I have no doubt it is known to local officials of the Ministry. It would also no doubt be well known to manufacturers in trades which could be carried on in these premises. In general I may say that prospective employers do sometimes discuss their plans, to some extent, with managers of Employment Exchanges, and they thus acquire useful information, not only as to available labour, but on such points as the hon. Member has in mind. I see a number of difficulties in the proposal to maintain lists of vacant works, but I have every sympathy with the hon. Member's objects and I will bear it in mind.