§ 19. Mr. DAYasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that large numbers of men still have to stand in the public streets for a considerable time in order to obtain their unemployment pay; and will he consider, in conjunction with the managers of the Employment Exchanges, some means to obviate this hardship for the unemployed?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDWhere pressure is great through increases of unemployment with little or no notice, it is not always possible to prevent delays. In other cases delay should be reduced to a minimum by the timing arrangements introduced for that purpose if these are observed; and where the accommodation is inadequate improvements are being made as rapidly as possible.
§ Mr. DAYHas the right hon. Gentleman had his attention drawn to the Walworth Road Employment Exchange and the delay there?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDYes.
§ Mr. MACKINDERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that when applicants come from country districts where the omnibus service is irregular, it is impossible to observe the times suggested to those concerned?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDAll that no doubt occurs where there are omnibus services, but on the other hand it does reduce the congestion to a minimum if timing arrangements are observed where it is possible to observe them.
§ Mr. MACKINDERIn cases where there is a repetition of the occurrence, will the right hon. Gentleman try to make arrangements for better facilities?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDIf the hon. Member will give me any case, I shall try to adjust matters as far as possible.