HC Deb 20 March 1930 vol 236 cc2070-1
12. Colonel CLIFTON BROWN

asked the Minister of Labour if she is aware that a large number of girls and boys from the north-eastern area have been placed in situations in the south of England through the special agency created for this purpose in Durham, and that the Labour Ministry has discontinued support to this agency; and if she can state the reason for this change of policy?

Miss BONDFIELD

I have no official statistics with regard to the agency to which I presume the hon. and gallant Member refers. An officer of the Department was lent to assist the agency on a temporary basis from the 20th March, 1929, to the 2nd August, 1929, having regard to the special circumstances then existing: it was not considered justifiable to continue indefinitely an arrangement which involved the loan of a public official to a voluntary agency.

Colonel BROWN

In view of the fact that nearly 3,000 untrained persons have been found situations through this agency in the south, is it not a pity to refuse assistance merely on account of red tape?

Miss BONDFIELD

No. I think that, while I am not responsible for those statistics—which I accept from the hon. and gallant Gentleman—there are a number of voluntary agencies that have never yet applied for, or received public assistance.