§ Sir R. ASKEasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that 35 ex-service men have received notice to terminate their employment at regional headquarters, Newcastle-on-Tyne; and whether he will sympathetically consider the suspension of these notices, in view of the abnormal state of unemployment on Tyneside?
Mr. ROBERTSI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the question on the same subject by the hon. and gallant Member for Newcastle West (Captain Ramage) on the 28th instant. The situation is being kept under close review, but unless it is found that the needs of the work justify the continued employment of any of these officers, I regret that I could not agree to the suspension of their notices.