HC Deb 27 July 1910 vol 19 cc2098-100
Dr. HILLIER

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will in future, when issuing the monthly returns of unemployment, take into calculation the emigration from the country and the number of trade unionists who are removed from membership of their unions from inability to continue their subscriptions?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Buxton)

Details with regard to the passenger movement to and from places out of Europe are published each month by the Board of Trade. Information as to the number of workpeople who cease to be members of trade unions owing to their inability to continue their subscriptions is not available. Most of the unions making returns to the Board of Trade with regard to unemployment excuse or reduce the payment of subscriptions by unemployed members, and the removals from membership on this account are thus minimised. The percentage unemployed is always calculated on the latest membership.

Mr. BRACKENBURY

asked how many unemployed have, up to the present, been provided with employment by the Labour Exchanges?

Mr. BUXTON

During the first five months since the opening of Labour Exchanges 122,556 vacancies notified have been filled through the Labour Exchanges established by the Board of Trade, exclusive of the casual situations filled by the special Cotton Porters' Exchange in Manchester.

Mr. BRACKENBURY

What was the percentage of employment in the month of June, 1910, as compared with that in the month of June, 1909?

Mr. BUXTON

I must ask for notice of that question.

Mr. NEWMAN

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he could state on whose recommendation the appointment of general manager to the Tottenham Labour Exchange was recently made; whether the official in question combines the duty of supervising this Labour Exchange with a seat on the district council and other local and political activities; and whether, with a view to the efficient working of Labour Exchanges, he will take steps to prevent the appointment of persons holding such a plurality of offices?

Mr. BUXTON

The manager of the Tottenham Labour Exchange was appointed on the recommendation of the Selection Committee which was constituted to consider the qualifications of applicants for posts as managers under the Labour Exchanges Act. At the time of his appointment he was a member of the urban district council which position he was instructed to resign on 13th July last, and he has made arrangements to do so after the recess. This resignation will also involve resignation of membership of the committee of education, but I am informed that he holds no other office of any sort.