HC Deb 30 July 1936 vol 315 cc1701-2
19 and 20. Mr. SHORT

asked the Minister of Labour (1) whether he is aware that certain Employment Exchanges offer temporary clerical employment at exchanges 10 or more miles distant from the applicant's home without payment of travelling or subsistence allowance; and whether he will consider the desirability of making such payments;

(2) whether he is aware that members of the Employment Exchange staffs are compelled to accept employment at a distance of 10 miles or more from their homes without any travelling or subsistence allowance; and whether he will take steps to remedy this?

21 and 22. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the Minister of Labour (1) how many temporary clerks are employed by Employment Exchanges who have to travel between 20 and 30 miles daily to their offices, and who receive no travelling or subsistence allowances;

(2) whether he is aware that certain Employment Exchange officials offer employment for casual periods in the Employment Exchange offices to persons who have to travel 10 miles or more from their homes at a wage of 51s. 3d. per week without allowances for travel or subsistence; and in cases when such employment is refused does his Department approve the disallowance of unemployment insurance benefits?

Mr. E. BROWN

It is the rule that Civil Service staffs are expected to attend at their normal place of duty at their own expense. I am not aware of cases of the kind referred to in the questions nor could I give statistics of the distances travelled by the staff between their homes and their offices without detailed investigation; but I should be glad to inquire into any case if the hon. Members will give me particulars. I do not know of any case in which unemployment benefit has been disallowed in the circumstances described, but the question would be dealt with in each instance by the insurance officer, with the usual rights of appeal to the statutory authorities.

Mr. SHORT

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries himself, and not impose the duty upon us?

Mr. BROWN

The hon. Member places a large burden upon me. This inquiry covers a wide field. If he can give me any indication of any difficulty I shall be only too glad to look into it.