§ 40. Captain R. TERRELLasked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider the desirability of posting in the window of each Employment Exchange a complete list of the names and addresses of those in receipt of the unemployment donation at the particular office, so that the local taxpayers can see who are the recipients and may be able to inform the authorities whether these recipients have, to their knowledge, refused work or are surreptitiously doing it while at the same time receiving assistance?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Sir Montague Barlow)I do not think it would be right to adopt this suggestion. In the main, the claimants are self-respecting working people out of employment through no fault of their own, and receiving assistance from a fund three-fourths of the income of which is contributed by their fellow-workpeople and their employers. I may add that arrangements are in operation under which the guardians ascertain from the Employment Exchanges whether persons claiming relief are in receipt of unemployment benefit.
§ Captain TERRELLIs the hon. Gentleman aware that if the suggestion contained in this question were adopted, a considerable saving of the taxpayers' money would be effected?
§ Sir M. BARLOWI cannot accept that suggestion, in view of the fact which I have already stated, namely, that there is co-operation between the guardians and the unemployment relief authorities.