§ Sir H. CARLILEasked whether bases of agreement have been attained with any of the Dominions for co-operation between the Labour Exchanges of the various countries?
Mr. ROBERTSONAs a result of the discussion at the recent Imperial Conference the Board of Trade are taking steps, in consultation with the Colonial Office, to ascertain the wishes of the Dominion Governments concerned in this matter, but no definite arrangements have yet been made.
§ Sir H. CARLILEHave replies been received in answer to the statements that have been sent to the Colonies?
Mr. ROBERTSONThe answer states that no definite arrangements have been made, and I presume, therefore, that replies have been received.
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANasked if the President of the Board of Trade is aware that on 24th April, the superintendent of the West Midland Labour Exchange Divisional Office informed the Social Service League in Oswestry that he would take an early opportunity of meeting the local secretaries, but has not seen them yet, and that the same official stated on 24th May that an Exchange would be opened in three months, which is not open yet; and if, in view of the inconvenience caused to the Social Service League in making their arrangements for the winter, he will take steps to carry out immediately the undertakings which have been given?
Mr. ROBERTSONI understand that the Divisional Officer, in accordance with his promise of the 24th April, interviewed a representative of the Social Service League. I am, however, instructing him to arrange a further interview with them to explain the unexpected difficulties which have delayed the establishment of a Labour Exchange in Oswestry. I regret any inconvenience that may have been caused to the league by the delay.
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANCan the hon. Gentleman say what those difficulties are?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the local authority had found a site?