§ 48. Colonel DAYasked the Minister of Labour the reason for the alteration of the hour when unemployed must sign the register at the Borough (Walworth Road) Employment Exchange; the reason why five signatures, per week are now required instead of three as hitherto; and will he cause the recent alterations mentioned to be withdrawn?
§ Mr. BETTERTONIt is the practice to alter the times of attendance of individuals periodically. As regards frequency of attendance, I understand the actual requirement at present at this Exchange is attendance on four days a week (not five as stated in the question), except in the case of casual workers. I should point out that the Regulations under the Unemployment Insurance Acts normally require attendance on each day of unemployment, and the relaxations allowing less frequent attendance can only be permitted so long as they are unavoidable.
§ Colonel DAYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the compulsion of making these men sign on early in the morning stops them from having any opportunity of obtaining work?
§ Mr. BETTERTONNo, Sir, but it is necessary from time to time to alter the hours, owing to the fact that there may be a greater rush at one hour and less pressure at another time, and so we endeavour to regulate the attendance.
§ Mr. W. THORNEWhen you are about to alter the hours for signing, are the men made acquainted with the fact a day or two before?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI am not sure about that, but I think it is only reasonable it should be done, and I will inquire about it.
§ Colonel DAYHas the time been altered to 10 or 11 o'clock in the morning so that the excuse can be given that they are not genuinely seeking work?