§ 74. Mr. Daggarasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that at Abertillery numbers of unemployed men, after being supplied by the officers of the local Unemployment Assistance Board with the customary green cards, are requested to present themselves to the colliery management and/or to contractors in charge of schemes of employment in the area; that the number of men so instructed is in excess of the known vacancies, and that after travelling many miles the unsuccessful applicants return home, and through their recognised representatives apply for an allowance for the expenses incurred in travelling; and, as this is refused, will he authorise the payment of allowance in such cases or take steps to prevent the continuance of such a practice?
§ Mr. E. BrownThese submissions to employers were made by the local Employment Exchange and were not excessive in number, having regard to the possibility of rejections. In one case 43 out of 55 were engaged and in the other 69 out of 74. I have no power to reimburse travelling expenses in such cases out of funds at my disposal. The question of granting unemployment assistance in such cases is a matter for the Unemployment Assistance Board who are, I understand, considering it as a result of representations made to them on behalf of the men.