32. Colonel BURNasked the Minister of Labour what is the weekly average of unemployed receiving benefits paid through the Torquay Labour Bureau since 1st January, 1920; what is the number of males and females for whom situations have been found in the same period; what is the number of applications made by employers for workmen during this period; and what is the number of the present staff and the estimated cost to 2363 the end of this year, and of this sum how much is paid in rent and other expenses?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Dr. Macnamara)During the six months ended 2nd July, the average weekly number of persons receiving Out-of-Work Donation and Unemployment Insurance Benefit at the Torquay Employment Exchange was 364. The total amount of donation and benefit paid during these six months was £12,375. During the same period 421 males and 541 females were placed in employment by this Exchange. The number of vacant situations notified by employers to the Torquay Exchange during this period was 554 for males and 1,374 for females. The staff at the present date numbers 16; the estimated cost for the year ending 31st December, 1920, is £4,335, of which sum £350 is for rent of two sets of premises, one of which is temporary. The staff is being reduced immediately to 13, and the possibility of a further reduction is being considered. This will, of course, affect the estimated cost which I have stated.
Colonel BURNDoes not my right hon. Friend think that some less expensive quarters might be rented at the present time, especially in view of the present condition of the housing problem?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAWell, I will look into that question of accommodation.