HC Deb 08 March 1917 vol 91 cc557-8
58. Mr. WATT

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether all Labour Exchanges throughout the country have the weekly half-holiday of the town in which the Exchanges are situated and have also Saturday afternoons off as a second half-holiday in the week; if so, is he aware that Saturday is more frequently the market day throughout the country than any other day; and, seeing that this arrangement results in many Labour Exchanges being closed on market days when there is most call for them to be open, will he say what action he proposes to take?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Bridgeman)

The Employment Exchanges are open on the afternoons of all week- days except Saturdays. On Saturday afternoons the Exchanges are usually closed, but in certain cases they are kept open where Saturday is market day. My right hon. Friend would be prepared to consider the extension of this arrangement to any other Exchanges with regard to which a reasonable case can be made out.