HC Deb 09 December 1925 vol 189 c441
40. Mr. MARCH

asked the Minister of Labour why the Employment Exchange in the East India Dock Road, E.14, is being enlarged to double its present size?

Mr. BETTERTON

The present premises in the East India Dock Road are inadequate, and the extension is necessary to enable the work to be properly dealt with.

Mr. MARCH

How does that compare with the statement made that the figures of the unemployed are rapidly reducing? This Exchange has been open for two years.

Mr. BETTERTON

I made inquiries on that point. There is no substantial change in the figures in this area. It was realised when this Exchange was opened three years ago that unless there was a definite improvement which, unfortunately, has not taken place, it would be necessary to increase the accommodation.

Sir F. WISE

Is this office freehold or leasehold?

Mr. BETTERTON

I must ask for notice of that question.

Mr. MACLEAN

Are we to take it that doubling the resources of this Exchange is the Government's method of curing un employment by giving employment to officers at the, Employment Exchanges?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is argument.