§ 5. Mr. C. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Labour how many juveniles were, transferred from the depressed areas into the Greater London area through the Employment Exchanges and the juvenile employment bureaux during the period 1st May, 1928, to 31st October, 1928, and the corresponding periods in 1929 and 1930?
§ Miss BONDFIELDThe numbers were 481, 652 and 424 respectively.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSCan the right hon. Lady account for the drop during the last period?
§ Miss BONDFIELDThe perfectly obvious explanation is that there are fewer vacancies to be filled in this year's figures in the London area.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSDoes the right hon. Lady admit, in spite of what she said the other night, that there has been a definite drop under the Socialist Administration?
§ Miss BONDFIELDI am giving the figures for a specific date, but I do not think that they are a very good comparison over a period of time.
§ 7. Mr. GEORGE OLIVERasked the Minister of Labour what precaution is taken in sending married men to jobs in towns which necessitate them living away from home that a wage is paid adequate to meet their family responsibilities; and whether she will say if any complaints have been received in this regard?
§ Miss BONDFIELDMy Department cannot control the rates of wages paid, but the position of persons registered at the Exchanges is, I think, adequately safeguarded. Benefit is not stopped owing to the refusal of a job unless a court of referees is satisfied that the conditions are suitable, having regard, among other things, to the claimant's family circumstances, and there are rights of appeal to the umpire with which my hon. Friend is no doubt familiar. The complaints are not numerous and are promptly investigated when made.
§ Mr. OLIVERWill the Minister of Labour give instructions to her officials to see that married men are not sent to districts where they must live away from home, draw the princely sum of 28s. 1d. per week, and are called upon to pay 25s. for lodgings, sending home only 3s. 1d. for their wives and families?
§ Miss BONDFIELDWe do not compel anybody to go anywhere. Married men must be given the option of deciding whether they will go to the job or not.
§ Mr. OLIVERIs the Minister of Labour aware that if married men fail to avail themselves of an opportunity of employment, their benefit is stopped for six weeks?
§ Miss BONDFIELDThat depends upon particular circumstances.