§ 37. Sir ROBERT NEWMANasked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that a large number of men have to stand in the public streets for a long period of time, often in inclement weather, in order to obtain their unemployment pay; and if, under these circumstances, he will consult the managers of Labour and Insurance Departments as to the possibility of adopting some method which will remove this hardship from the unemployed?
§ Mr. BETTERTONA great deal of attention has been given to this point and, in general, by means of the timing system, the periods of waiting are reduced to a. minimum. From time to time, when such large numbers are being dealt with, cases of delay are almost unavoidable, particularly if there are sudden increases in the numbers attending, but I think I can say that, taken on the whole, such cases are rare. If my hon. Friend will let me have a note of any particular case he has in mind, I shall be glad to look into it.
§ Colonel DAYIs the hon. Member aware that in the Walworth Road, at the Borough Exchange, the men have to wait an interminable time in the rain?
§ Mr. BETTERTONNo, I am not aware of that. As I have said, if the hon. Member or any hon. Member has any case of the kind arid will bring it to my notice, I will be happy to look into it.