HC Deb 01 May 1929 vol 227 cc1534-5
9. Mr. DAY

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons to date who have been transferred to the Borough of Southwark under the transference scheme; and the number of positions that have been found for these transferees?

The MINISTER of LABOUR (Sir Arthur Steel-Maitland)

Up to 16th April, 60 men had been transferred direct from depressed areas into employment in the area of the Borough Employment Exchange under the Industrial Transference Scheme. Transfers under this scheme only take place when there is employment in view for the individuals concerned.

Mr. DAY

As there are 6,632 people registered as unemployed in the Borough of Southwark, does the right hon. Gentleman not think that work could be obtained for some of them, instead of bringing people from outside areas?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

The transfers that have been made have been made precisely in accordance with the principles adopted in "Labour and the Nation."

Mr. DAY

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that among those 6,600 people there were enough persons to take these jobs in Southwark without bringing others in? Further, has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to the fact that people have been thrown out of work there, for the purpose of putting transferred men in?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

The last question put by the hon. Member does not arise out of the question on the Paper. If he will put it down, I will gladly give him an answer.

Mr. BATEY

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell me on what page of "Labour and the Nation" I shall find this policy?

Mr. SPEAKER

I have been far too lenient over this supplementary question. The hon. Member's question cannot arise out of the question on the Order Paper or the answer given by the Minister.

Mr. BATEY

On a point of Order. Ought the Minister of Labour to have given an answer saying that we could find it in "Labour and the Nation"?

Mr. SPEAKER

The right hon. Gentleman was answering the question on the Paper.

Mr. DAY

I should like to ask your Ruling. I have asked the number of positions which have been found for these transferees. The right hon. Gentleman has not answered that question and refers me to another point, which I have not asked.

Mr. BATEY

On a point of Order. If a Minister makes a statement in answer to a supplementary question, is he not bound to produce the evidence?

Mr. SPEAKER

If that were so, we should take even longer over questions than we do now.