HC Deb 09 April 1936 vol 310 cc2927-8
1. Mr. DAY

asked the Minister of Labour whether any progress has been made respecting the sheltering of unemployed persons waiting outside the Walworth Road (Borough) Employment Exchange during wet weather; and whether he can make any further statement with reference to the proposed erection of a new exchange for this district?

The MINISTER of LABOUR (Mr. Ernest Brown)

I have already explained to the hon. Member that it is not practicable to provide an outside shelter at the present premises. Active search is being made for a suitable site, and a new building will be erected as soon as such a site is found.

Mr. DAY

Is the Minister aware that these out-of-date and insanitary exchanges are a disgrace to the authorities, and can he say why this one has taken such a long time to rebuild?

Mr. BROWN

I cannot argue that question now, but I have told the hon. Member that we are concerned about the site.

Mr. DAY

Is it not a fact that the Minister has given that answer for some considerable time, and can he say what is the difficulty of finding a site in this neighbourhood?

Mr. BROWN

The hon. Member well knows that there is difficulty, and I will tell him when I have any definite information.

Mr. MAGNAY

Is not the purpose of these questions by the hon. Member to show that: Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge, for the benefit of the lion. Member's research department