§ 2. Mr. HUTCHISONasked the Minister of Labour whether any instructions have been issued by his Department for Employment Exchanges to the effect that preference in offering positions should be given to men who have been longest unemployed, as opposed to those who have recently fallen out of employment; and, if not, whether he will consider the advisability of issuing such instructions?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONNo such instructions have been issued. It has always been the practice of the Employment Exchanges to submit those applicants who 509 most nearly satisfy the employer's requirements. The adoption of any other principle of selection would materially affect the value of the service which the Exchanges provide.
§ Mr. DAVID GRENFELLIs not the period of unemployment a very much greater consideration than any question as to who should be given work?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONThe hon. Member knows that, if we once adopt, as I stated in my answer, any other principle of selection, the value of the service provided at the Exchanges will be much diminished. We must appoint those men who are mast likely to be best fitted for the vacancies which are open.