§ 39. Mr. HARRISasked the Minister of Labour on what percentage of unemploy- 2191 ment is the present staff of the Employment Exchanges fixed; and what extra staff is employed to deal with the present abnormal amount of unemployment?
§ Mr. BETTERTONFor various reasons the staff required at Employment Exchanges is not arithmetically proportionate to the amount of unemployment. The procedure adopted has been to provide a staff of permanent clerks which is estimated to be sufficient, in general, to deal with 4 per cent. unemployment, and any additional clerks are engaged, according to requirements, on a temporary basis. The higher staff cannot very well be related to any particular percentage of unemployment; it has so far been found to be sufficient to deal with the situation. The total number of temporary staff employed at Employment Exchanges during the first six months of the present year has averaged about 4,859 out of an average total staff of 8,946.
§ Mr. HARRISDoes the hon. Gentleman realise that, owing to the large number of unemployed to be dealt with, they have no time to investigate the opportunity for finding work, and assisting men to find employment, and that therefore the Employment Exchanges are not fulfilling their original function?
§ Mr. BETTERTONMy right hon. Friend is satisfied that, speaking broadly, the staff provided is sufficient for the work. It may be that in some cases in a particular Exchange it would be more satisfactory to have a larger staff, but, speaking broadly, my right hon. Friend is satisfied that the staff provided is adequate
Lord H. CAVF.NDISH-BENT1NCKWhat time has been lost through sickness during the last three months as com oared with the corresponding three months of last year?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThere is another question on that point.
§ 44. Mr. TINKERasked the Minister of Labour whether be is aware of the nature of the Exchange premises at Leigh, Lancashire; that the clerks are at present working in a cleaner's scullery, hitherto disused, where the smells are very repellent; and that a space 14 feet by 9 feet is occupied by cabinets tables, and six 2192 women clerks; and whether he proposes, in the interests of the health of the staff, to provide more satisfactory accommodation?
§ Mr. BETTERTONAs stated in a letter to the hon. Member on the 20th May, plans for alternative premises on a suitable site have been prepared. The women staff have already been moved temporarily until the new premises are completed.
§ Mr. TINKERHave they removed to other premises?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThey have removed temporarily from the promises of which the hon. Member complained, to more appropriate and suitable premises.