§ 65. Sir WALTER de FRECEasked the Minister of Labour the principle governing the limitation on Employment Exchanges in view of the long distances which some men out of employment have to walk; and what is the average walking distance which it is thought not unfair to ask them to undertake?
§ Sir M. BARLOWIn the interests of economy the number of Employment 819 Exchanges and Branch Employment-Offices is reduced as far as is compatible with reasonable facilities for the necessary work carried out by these offices. With regard to the distances which applicants for unemployment benefit have to walk, I may point out that if an office is closed, those previously attending there usually have to attend less frequently at the office which takes its place. The frequency of attendance normally required is: Up to two miles, daily; two to four miles, on alternate days and so on. These requirements, moreover, are at present relaxed in a great many cases owing to the abnormal volume of unemployment.