§ 95. Mr. Hamiltonasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that financial hardship is being imposed on the unemployed in certain areas in Scotland owing to the closing down of local employment exchange offices; and whether he will consult with the National Assistance Board with a view to the reimbursement of bus fares incurred in travelling to other offices.
§ Mr. WatkinsonFour local offices in Scotland have been closed on grounds of economy. Apart from Kelty, however, where applicants for unemployment benefit are now required to travel to the nearby Cowdenbeath Employment Exchange, claimants who previously attended at these offices are, because of the distances involved, now being dealt with by post. In these circumstances, I do not think that any special action on my part is necessary.