HC Deb 23 January 1967 vol 739 cc178-9W
60. Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister of Labour (1) why, on Tuesday 17th January, Dr. Emil Savundra, an unemployed person attending the Finchley Employment Exchange, was allowed to be photographed on the premises of the department together with an official; why this was issued to the Press; what was the objective of this publicity; and whether he will make a statement;

(2) why Dr. Emil Savundra, an unemployed company director, was taken into a private office at the Finchley Employment Exchange whilst six men who had been in attendance prior to Dr. Savundra's attendance were still kept waiting; and why a chauffeur who was also in attendance was not afforded the same privileges of a private interview.

Mr. Fernyhough

The photographs of Dr. Savundra were not authorised or issued by the Department. When Dr. Savundra came to the Finchley Employment Exchange on Monday, 16th January, he was followed in by over 30 reporters and photographers, and the photographs were taken without the manager's permission.

At this office all registrants for employment are given private interviews in cubicles provided for the purpose; Dr. Savundrz. had to be taken into a separate room solely because the attentions of the press made it impossible to deal with him otherwise.