§ 18. Mr. MACKINDER (for Mr. ROBINSON)asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the practice of the officials at the Brighouse Employment Exchange in urging unemployed persons to emigrate; and whether, in those cases where the unemployed person refuses to emigrate, he will take action to ensure that such person shall not be deprived of unemployment benefit?
§ Mr. BETTERTONIn accordance with the instructions the opportunities of settlement overseas are brought to the notice of all suitable unemployed persons. No undue pressure is exerted on any applicant either at Brighouse or elsewhere, and the question of benefit is not in any way affected by the attitude of the applicants towards overseas settlement.
§ Mr. MACKINDERIn view of the answer given the other day that more applicants are waiting than can be taken, is it worth while offering overseas employment when the Government cannot give them transportation?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI think it is right to tell these applicants what the opportunities are and what are their chances.
§ Mr. MACKINDERBut there are no opportunities.