§ 17. Mr. R. MORRISONasked the Postmaster-General how many unemployed ex-service men have recently been engaged through London Employment Exchanges to receive a six weeks' course of training as night telephone operators?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Sir William Mitchell-Thomson)During the last three months 140 unemployed ex-service men have been engaged through the London Employment Exchanges for training and employment as night telephone operators.
§ 18. Mr. R. MORRISONasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that ex-service men, after training and passing an efficiency test as night telephone operators, are being employed on part-time nightwork at London telephone exchanges at the rate of 1s. 2d. per hour; that their earnings vary from 12s. to £1 2s. per week; that they are debarred from receiving unemployment benefit and that the guardians are called upon to grant them out-door relief; and will he make full investigation into the conditions of employment of these men, with a view to enabling them to work sufficient hours to earn a living wage without being forced upon the Poor Law?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI am aware that men employed in the London telephone service are being paid at the hourly rate stated. Their attendances are only for two or three hours in the evening (usually after 8 p.m.), and there does not appear to be any available work which can be added. The posts are intended to be filled by persons who have other part-time employment or other means of livelihood; but it is not practicable, in present circumstances, to refuse to employ candidates who are otherwise unemployed. As I promised last night, I will examine the matter further.
Mr. MARCHWhen these men are taken on, are inquiries made as to whether they have other part-time employment to fill up their time?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI must ask for notice of that question.