§ 30. Colonel Sir C. YATEasked the Minister of Labour what would be the 2031 saving in establishments, salaries, and cost of buildings if all Employment Exchanges were done away with and the payment of unemployment benefits was handed over to some other agency?
§ Sir M. BARLOWI am not aware of any other agency through which the administration of a national scheme of unemployment insurance, could he effected at lower cost than through the Employment Exchanges.
§ Sir C. YATECan the right hon. Gentleman give the amount that it would be possible to save?
§ Sir M. BARLOWIf it cannot be done cheaper through any other agency, there would be no saving.
§ Sir C. YATEMay T say that is a matter of opinion?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. and gallant Member will have his Own opinion.
§ 35. Sir WILFRED SUGDENasked the Minister of Labour if he will cause inquiries to be instituted as to the grave difficulties arising through the Employment Exchange at Rochdale also operating on behalf of the districts of Meilmow, Nowhey, Firgrove, and Ogden: and if he will, under proper supervision, arrange that properly constituted industrial associations in the districts named function instead of the Rochdale. Employment Exchange, failing which will he have an Employment Exchange established in the centre of the above four districts?
§ Sir M. BARLOWI am making inquiries locally at once, and will communicate the result as soon as possible to my hon. Friend.
§ Sir W. SUGDENWill the right hon. Gentleman also take cognisance of the fact that these poor people are receiving medical attention as a result of the unsuitable methods of working of the Employment Exchange at Rochdale?
§ Sir M. BARLOWThat, of course, is a somewhat serious charge. I cannot deal with it until I have got the report. Directly I do so, I will communicate with my hon. Friend, and I will he glad if he will assist me in going into the matter.