§ 24. Mr. BROADasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that men frequently find that, by going to seek for work directly they hear of a prospect, they cannot attend at the Employment Exchange to sign at the scheduled time allotted to them; that, on reporting out of their time, they are sent away, and not allowed to sign until a later hour in the day, and then in some cases are given a form to be completed by two householders who have to state that of their knowledge the applicant was unemployed on that day; and whether these formalities can be altered so as not to impede attempts to find work?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Sir Arthur Steel-Maitland)Timing arrangements are introduced in the interests of the applicants themselves in order to prevent queues, and it is important that they should be observed as far as possible. If, however, an applicant attends later than his proper time for a good reason such as that mentioned by the hon. Member, no difficulty is put in the way of his signing the Unemployed Register. The form referred to in the question is issued only in cases where doubt arises as to whether the applicant has in fact had work during the day. If the hon. Mem- 1108 ber has any individual cases in mind and cares to give particulars, I shall be glad to have inquiries made.
§ Mr. R. MORRISONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the outer circle of London these cases are frequent owing to the large number of men whose only hope of employment is to go into the heart of London?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDIn those cases, the rule is that they should be allowed to sign later. If mistakes have been made, I shall be glad if hon. Members will let me have cases.