HC Deb 19 February 1931 vol 248 cc1423-4
10. Mr. MALONE

asked the Minister of Labour how many girls and women who have standing engagements as weekend assistants in stores have been in receipt of unemployment benefit in England and Wales in each of the weeks since 1st January; on which days they are generally employed; how many days' benefit per week have been drawn; and whether the Employment Exchanges have been offering unemployed girls and women this type of employment?

Miss BONDFIELD

Statistics giving the information desired in the first three parts of the question are not available. In so far as vacancies of this type are notified to the Employment Exchanges, they are brought to the notice of those applicants who appear to be suitable.

Mr. MALONE

If, as it is shown in the Ministry of Labour's evidence before the Royal Commission, these women have actually been paying for a great number of years, why should the impression be created that they are getting something for nothing?

Miss BONDFIELD

I am not aware that that impression was being created.