§ Sir W. Darlingasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that David Robert-son, 31 years of age, was demobilised on 13th November on Class B release; that he reported to the Edinburgh Employment Exchange on 17th November and was told he could not start work as a plasterer until papers came from the Ser vices; that after reporting at the Employment Exchange on 21st and 24th November he was told to start work on 26th November; that he was offered work as a plasterer on 19th November, but was forbidden by the Edinburgh Employment Exchange to accept it; and, in view of the urgency of housing needs in Edinburgh, what action he intends taking to prevent the recurrence of such maladministration.
§ Mr. IsaacsI have inquired into this case and can find no evidence that Mr. Robertson was told that he could not start work until Service papers had arrived. He was, in fact, told that for the time being he could take the job he had been offered but that later he would probably be sent to a corporation housing scheme. He could not, however, be engaged immediately on this work, which has priority, owing to the temporary shortage of plasterers' labourers. The circumstances do not indicate any lack of appreciation of the urgency of local housing needs.
§ Mr. Hoggasked the Minister of Labour upon what date his Department received the letter from the hon. Member for Oxford dealing with the case of Sapper Frank Edwards and his claim for a re settlement grant.
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§ Mr. IsaacsI regret that owing to the heavy pressure of work in the Department this letter did not reach me until the answer to the Question on the Order Paper had been given. I am inquiring into the position and will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.