HC Deb 13 December 1926 vol 200 cc2551-2
38. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the Minister of Labour how many mine workers have presented themselves for registration at Employment Exchanges since Monday, 29th November?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Betterton)

I regret I am still unable to give this information, but I hope to let the hon. Member have it before the House rises.

Mr. PALING

In view of the tremendous number of applications which are held up pending decisions, are ways and means being adopted in order to speed up decisions?

Mr. BETTERTON

These are almost entirely decisions which rest with the statutory authorities, and ultimately, of course, with the umpire, and I hope there will be no undue delay.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that during the past 14 days, civil servants have been dismissed; and does he not think that this is the wrong moment at which to dismiss so many civil servants when there is this extra work to be done?

Mr. BETTERTON

I was not aware of that, and, in any case, I do not think it arises out of the question on the Paper.