§ 38. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked 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. PALINGIn 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. BETTERTONThese 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. WILLIAMSIs 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. BETTERTONI was not aware of that, and, in any case, I do not think it arises out of the question on the Paper.