HC Deb 29 January 1973 vol 849 cc307-8W
Mr. Cyril Smith

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when the new careers office in Rochdale town centre for use by the Department of Employment is to be commenced and when it is likely to be ready for occupation.

Mr. Eyre

The new careers office in the Rochdale town centre for use by Department of Employment will commence in February 1973 and the office will be ready for occupation in May 1973.

Mr. Cyril Smith

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when office accommodation in the form of converted air raid shelters is to be added to the Rochdale main employment exchange; and if he can guarantee that work which was promised for completion in May 1972 will be completed by May 1973.

Mr. Eyre

Completion of the work to provide office accommodation in converted air raid shelters is expected to be achieved in February 1973. Work commenced during last summer but was interrupted by the building strike and the aftermath of the strike has left the contractor short of fully experienced labour. Progress has been considerably slowed but the work was 70 per cent. complete by the middle of January 1973.