§ 34. Colonel YATEasked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the representation from the Holwell Iron Company enclosing a list of eighty-one men enaged by them through the Labour Exchange between 21st February and 30th April of this year, and stating that only two of those men have so far reported; whether many men prefer to draw the out-of-work pay rather than accept the situations offered; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
§ Sir R. HORNEThe communication referred to has been received within the last few days, and inquiry is being made into the circumstances. It frequently happens that men find other employment before the engagement of them by the firm originally applying can be effected, and the circumstances stated do not necessarily give rise to the inference that the men preferred to draw unemployment pay to working. In any such case unemployment pay would be stopped.
§ Mr. HAYDAYWill the right hon. Gentleman undertake in the course of his inquiries to inquire as to the class of employment these men were offered, and whether the wages offered were those current for similar classes of work at these particular works?
§ Sir R. HORNEAll matters that are relevant will be inquired into.
§ Mr. G. TERRELLWill the right hon. Gentleman report the result of his inquiries by circulating it with the Official Report?
§ Sir R. HORNEIf a question is put down again I shall be very glad to give an answer.