§ 51. Mr. Roy Jenkinsasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that owing to recent redundancy in the motor industry, men registering at Washwood Heath Employment Exchange are having to wait for periods of more than three hours; and whether he will take steps to increase the staff and accommodation available at that exchange.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe staff of this employment exchange has been substantially increased to meet the large increase of short-time and wholly unemployed workers. Overtime is being worked and special premises have been opened to relieve congestion. Delays averaging 30-–50 minutes, and in a few cases of 1¼ hours, have occurred mainly because of applicants attending well in advance of their scheduled time. I am satisfied that all reasonable steps are being taken to keep delays to a minimum.