§ 21. Mr. DAYasked the Minister of Labour whether any overtime has been worked during the 12 months ended to the last convenient date, or is being worked now, at the Walworth Road, Borough, Employment Exchange; and, if so, will he give particulars?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Sir Arthur Steel-Maitland)The total overtime worked during the past year at the Borough Exchange averaged about 18½ hours per week. The average staff was 55 Rather more than a quarter of this overtime was worked in the recent period of pressure due to the annual exchange of unemployment books, to assist with which seven temporary clerks were added to the staff.
§ Mr. DAYIn view of the great unemployment in Walworth Road, cannot the right hon. Gentleman put on additional men instead of employing the present staff overtime?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDNo, Sir. Additional men have been taken on whenever circumstances have warranted it, but the general average only means about three hours per day, and any distribution of work could not really afford employment for more staff.