§ 71. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that there is an Employment Exchange box at each principal dock at Hull for the men to sign at, but that on Friday afternoons all the staff are taken away to assist the Employment Exchange, and dockers, in consequence, have to leave the docks to sign, and often lose work on a ship as a result; and whether some arrangements can be made to obviate the closing of these boxes on Friday afternoons?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI have no information to show that the present arrangements have resulted in men losing work on a ship. Those arrangements have, however, recently been under review, and I will see that in considering any new arrangements which may be proposed the point made by the hon. and gallant Member is not lost sight of.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this means that the men have to go about six miles to the Exchange and back, and that, while doing this, they do, and must, lose jobs?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThe hon. and gallant Member may remember that he raised various points in connection with this matter a short time ago. The whole situation, including the points he then raised and the points which he now raises, are under consideration, and I will let him know the result.
§ 72. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that on the 14th February last over 1,000 men attended at the Hull Employment Exchange in the open in the early morning in the hope of getting work at snow clearing; that some took their places in the queue at 3 a.m., and at 4.15 a.m. 200 men were waiting, one of whom collapsed in the snow and was taken away by the police to warmth and shelter; that at 6.45 a.m. word was given 1309 that no men were wanted; that men are required to attend at 5.30 a.m. if they want work; and whether some better arrangement can be made for engaging casual labour?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI am having inquiries made and will let the hon. and gallant Member know the result.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYAs the matter is urgent, will the hon. Gentleman inquire whether the men cannot be asked to attend later during the continuance of this weather so as to avoid these hardships?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI am inquiring into the whole of the case. As the hon. and gallant Gentleman knows, we only received notice of this question the other day, and these inquiries are necessary before I can give an answer.
§ 73. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the insufficient accommodation at Bury St. Edmunds Employment Exchange, which necessitates a long queue waiting outside in order that the unemployed can sign on; and whether he intends taking any action in the matter?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI am having inquiry made and will communicate the result to the hon. Member.