85. Mr. DOYLEasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the businesses of owners of registry offices for servants have been seriously damaged by reason of the intervention of the Labour Exchanges in placing domestic servants with employers; whether, in reply to a memorandum from the principal registry-office owners in Newcastle-on-Tyne, it was stated, on 29th March, 1915, by the Labour Exchanges and Unemployment Insurance Department of the Board of Trade that the Regulations on this point were a temporary measure necessitated by the special conditions caused by the country being at war; whether, now that such conditions no longer prevail, the businesses of these agencies shall be allowed to pursue their normal course; and whether, in the alternative, in view of the practice adopted by the Government in other businesses and trades, adequate compensation will be paid to those who have been deprived of their livelihood through no fault of their own?
§ Sir R. HORNEIn answer to the first part of the question, the businesses of owners of registry offices have not, so far as I am aware, been injured by the work of the Employment Exchanges in finding employment for domestic servants. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. In view of the large number of ex-domestic servants who are drawing out-of-work donation, it has been found necessary to continue the arrangements whereby the Employment Exchanges endeavour to find suitable 617 work for domestic servants. I am anxious to reach an understanding with the registry offices for effective co-operation between those offices and the Employment Exchanges, and I hope to make an announcement on the subject shortly.
Mr. DOYLEIf it can be shown in any of these cases that these businesses have been injured, will the Minister consider compensation?
§ Sir R. HORNEI will consider the circumstances when they arise.