§ 5. Mr. KINLEYasked the Minister of Labour whether she is aware that certain Employment Exchanges in the Liverpool area employ part-time clerks at weekends for the making up of accounts; that these clerks are already holding good positions in private firms; and whether she will cause this practice to cease and give full-time employment to one or more at present unemployed clerks?
§ Miss BONDFIELDThis work has to be done on Friday evenings, after the delivery of the weekly pay sheets by the various employers and in readiness for payment on Saturday morning. It is not practicable therefore to deal with it by means of full-time engagement of clerks.
§ Mr. KINLEYWill the right hon. Lady consider this matter again in view of the serious objections which exist locally with regard to this practice?
§ Miss BONDFIELDI am not sure whether my hon. Friend is aware that this particular arrangement with the dock employers is purely for the convenience of the dockers. The work requires speed and accuracy and must be done by experienced people.
§ Mr. SEXTONIs it not a fact that the Exchange referred to was specially created to deal with casual labour only, and does not deal with unemployment in other directions?
§ Lord EUSTACE PERCYMay I ask whether this practice would be permitted under the Washington Convention?