§ Mr. Hoosonasked the Minister of Labour what estimate he has made of the unemployment of railwaymen which has resulted from railway closures in mid-Wales and will result from the further curtailment of services and closure of stations between Shrewsbury and Aberystwyth; and what steps he is taking to provide alternative employment for them.
§ Mr. WhitelawThere were 35 railwaymen unemployed in mid-Wales on 13th January, 1964, but I cannot now say how many of these became unemployed as a result of past closures. I understand that the British Railways Board hopes to offer alternative employment to all those who might be affected by further closures planned for this area and the number who might become unemployed will depend on how far this alternative work is accepted. The full facilities of our Department will be available to any who seek our help.