§ 79. Mr. AMMONasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that there are 212 building trades labourers on the books of the Camberwell Employment Exchange; and whether it is on his instruction that unemployed miners have been transferred to the books of the Camberwell Exchange, with instructions that they are to be given preference of employment as building trades labourers?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI am aware of the unemployment position in the building trade in Camberwell, but it cannot have been appreciably affected by the action of my Department in transferring to Camberwell since June last 35 persons from the depressed mining areas, of whom less than half were placed in the building trade.
§ Mr. AMMONCannot the hon. Gentleman see that it must have an effect on unemployment, and how can this policy in any way improve the general situation with regard to unemployment?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThe last part of the question is a matter for argument and debate. With regard to the first part, there has been exactly one person placed in the class to which the hon. Gentleman refers.