HC Deb 06 April 1936 vol 310 c2416
57. Mr. WESTWOOD

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the widespread practice of advertising vacancies for hotel and catering trade employés and giving a box number to which applications are to be sent; that applicants then, in many cases, receive from alleged employment agencies communications requesting booking fees of from is. 6d. to 10s.; and will he set up a committee to inquire into the genuineness of these so-called employment agencies with a view to stopping this exploitation of the unemployed?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)

I have been asked to reply to this question. Powers of control over employment agencies are given by local Act where need for such powers is shown to exist. My right hon. Friend sees no reason why any abuses arising in the manner described should not be dealt with under those powers. If the hon. Member will give my right hon. Friend particulars of any cases which have been brought to his notice, he will be glad to investigate them.