§ Mr. Moonmanasked the Secretary of State for Employment why a case involving grant for industrial training referred to him by the hon. Member for Basildon, concerning Mr. Ian Balloch, took more than three weeks to resolve; and why, when it was indicated that a reply was ready on Friday 26th November, no reply was received by Tuesday 30th November.
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§ Mr. GoldingI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that, in order to give proper attention to my hon. Friend's inquiry, it was necessary to obtain information from the area office and the Professional and Executive Office of the Employment Service Agency, at Eastbourne and Guildford respectively, about Mr. Balloch's application for assistance under the employment transfer scheme. I am not able to explain how the reply which was dated 26th November failed to reach my hon. Friend by 30th November but am having further inquiries made.