HC Deb 14 December 1927 vol 211 cc2297-9
28. Mr. WALTER BAKER

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Bristol men, who have been out of work for a long period, complain that preference is given by the Bristol Employment Exchange to men who have been out of work for a month or less; that, after investigation among the unemployed, this complaint was ventilated at the meeting of the main committee of the Bristol Employment Exchange, held on the 7th instant, when it was admitted that there were good grounds for the complaint, as men who had been out of work for a long period were regarded by the officials as unemployable; and whether he will cause an investigation to take place into the local administration of the Exchange?

Sir A. STEEL - MAITLAND

For ordinary industrial vacancies notified to the Exchange, applicants are submitted according to their industrial qualifications without reference to the length of time they have been unemployed. In regard to relief works, however, at the request of the authority responsible for the relief works preference may be given to those who by reason of a long period of unemployment or domestic circumstances may be suffering distress. I see no necessity for any special investigation as suggested.

the Unemployment Insurance Acts at July of 1924 and 1927, the numbers of such persons recorded as unemployed at the end of June in those two years and the differences between these figures.

Mr. BAKER

How is it possible for a man to obtain work if his long period of unemployment is regarded as a penalty which will place him behind men who have recently had jobs?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I am not accepting the statement that a long period of unemployment is regarded as a penalty. The Exchange in every case, quite rightly, has to consider what are the industrial qualifications of the people. If they did not do that, then in filling the places we should not be able to exercise the proper functions of an Exchange.

Mr. BAKER

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the Employment Exchange at Bristol has admitted that where the qualifications of two men are equal the person with the longer period of unemployment has to rank after the man who has recently been employed?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I shall make inquiries and see if it is the case or not, tout in any event what I have said really answers the case. They have to try to judge industrial qualifications in the ordinary event, and if it is a question of relief work, of course preference is given to the men who have had a long period of unemployment.

Colonel DAY

Is it not a fact that the practice at Bristol exists elsewhere, especially in Walworth?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

Perhaps the hon. Member will tell me of instances in Walworth, or communicate with me regarding them.