A DWP minister could be in need of a geography lesson after citing a ministerial visit to an East Lothian town as justification that Glasgow was not being treated unfairly.

Caroline Noakes responded to a question asking why Glasgow was being singled out for cuts by stating her boss had visited a town more than 50 miles away.

Caroline Noakes, Minister for Welfare Delivery was taking question on Jobcentre closures in the House of Commons.

She was asked by Alison Thewliss, SNP MP for Glasgow Central about the closure of eight Jobcentres and two back offices in the city without consultation with people in the city.”

She said “What does the Government have against Glasgow?”

Ms Noakes replied: “My honourable friend the Minister for Employment was in Musselburgh just two weeks ago.”

Ms Noakes was also challenged over travel times. Natalie McGarry, MP for Glasgow East said the journey from Easterhouse to Shettleston takes more than the DWP’s recommended 20 minutes and as such should be included in a consultation exercise.

Ms Noakes said she would raise the matter with the minister for employment.

Patrick Grady, Glasgow North MP said the DWP aim is a 20% cut but in Glasgow it is 50%. He asked: “Why is Glasgow losing out disproportionately?”

Ms Noakes said there are more smaller Jobcentres in Glasgow and the aim was to eliminate empty desk space.

She was challenged by SNP Labour, Libdem and Conservative MPs over the impact the closures across the UK would have.