HC Deb 06 March 1930 vol 236 cc618-9
10. Sir A. POWNALL

asked the Minister of Labour which are the 13 Employment Exchanges which have been authorised and completed since May, 1929?

Miss BONDFIELD

The 13 Employment Exchanges completed and occupied since May, 1929, are as follow:

  • Basford.
  • Morriston.
  • Workington.
  • Kingston-on-Thames.
  • Barnsley.
  • Todmorden.
  • Walham Green.
  • Stamford.
  • Failsworth.
  • Clapham Junction (Battersea).
  • Pontypool.
  • Mansfield.
  • Runcorn.
The decision to erect these new premises was in every case taken before May, 1929, but the rate of progress in building has been substantially accelerated since that date.

Sir A. POWNALL

What steps is the right hon. Lady taking with regard to opening Employment Exchanges in those towns where unemployment is so rife owing to the action of the present Government with regard to Safeguarding?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

What are the Exchanges to which the right hon. Lady refers, which were both initiated and completed under the present Government's regime?

Miss BONDFIELD

I think that was a misunderstanding. If the right hon. Gentleman looks at the OFFICIAL REPORT, he will see that I said nothing of the kind.

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I am in the memory of some hon. Members on this side that the right hon. Lady used the word "initiated."

Miss BONDFIELD

No, the questioner, I think, intended to use the word "initiated." I said that they had been opened since the Government came into office.

13. Mr. KELLY

asked the Minister of Labour the salary paid to branch managers who are appointed to areas which have no Employment Exchange; whether these branch managers are responsible for engaging their staffs; and, if so, are they compelled to pay wages at the same standard as that which operates in the case of those directly employed by the Ministry of Labour?

Miss BONDFIELD

The fixed remuneration of branch managers ranges from £20 per annum plus Cost-of-Living bonus for a normal volume of work of four hours per week, to £200 per annum plus bonus for a normal volume of work of 40 hours per week. In addition, special allowances are paid for work in excess of the normal. Branch managers are responsible for providing any staff necessary for the performance of Ministry of Labour work, and it is stipulated that the remuneration and conditions of service of staff so employed shall be not less favourable than those given by good employers in the district.

Mr. KELLY

Has the right hon. Lady any returns showing what are the rates paid to those people who are employed in this way?

Miss BONDFIELD

I must have notice of that question.