Offices, Fife (Closing)

Oral Answers to Questions — Coal – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 1 Chwefror 1954.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Willie Hamilton Mr Willie Hamilton , Fife West 12:00, 1 Chwefror 1954

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many of his Department's local offices in Fife he proposes to close; the estimated annual saving expected from such closures; what protests he has received about this action; and the nature of the reply sent to those protesting.

Photo of Mr Geoffrey Lloyd Mr Geoffrey Lloyd , Birmingham King's Norton

Twenty, with a saving of £2,150 a year. So far, five local authorities have objected and my officers are in discussion with them.

Photo of Mr Willie Hamilton Mr Willie Hamilton , Fife West

Can the Minister say whether the local authorities or the trade unions were consulted before this policy was decided on? Can he further say how far the policy indicates the ending of the present system of fuel allocation; and thirdly, is he satisfied that the economies resulting from this policy are sufficient to offset the hardship which will be caused to old age pensioners and lower income group people, who will now have to have further recourse to the National Assistance Board for travelling expenses?

Photo of Mr Geoffrey Lloyd Mr Geoffrey Lloyd , Birmingham King's Norton

It is most important that we should make every effort to achieve economy in these rationing schemes when they persist, but it is not our intention to cause hardship. That is the reason why discussions with local authorities are now proceeding, and I hope that we shall be able to get an agreed solution in this part of the country, as in so many others.

Photo of Mr Willie Hamilton Mr Willie Hamilton , Fife West

Would the Minister answer the first part of my supplementary question? Were the trade unions and local authorities consulted before action was taken?

Photo of Mr Geoffrey Lloyd Mr Geoffrey Lloyd , Birmingham King's Norton

No, it is the responsibility of the Government to form a policy for the making of economies, but in the course of carrying out this policy we are consulting the local authorities concerned.