HC Deb 16 December 1937 vol 330 cc1311-2
14. Mr. Logan

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the great pecuniary hardship experienced by young workers sent by Exployment Exchanges to distant jobs when desirous of returning home; and whether he will take steps to issue free return railway warrants to these workers at Christmas time?

Mr. E. Brown

Young persons under 18 transferred under the official scheme, normally receive assistance towards fares home at Christmas if they have been in the new area less than 12 months and the amounts of the fares exceed certain limits. This arrangement has been in force for a considerable period, and I have no reason to suppose that it does not do all that can reasonably be expected.

Mr. Logan

In view of the inconvenience that is caused to these youths from Lancashire towns when they find themselves stranded, is it not possible to issue to them some railway warrant or pass so that they may be able to get home at Christmas time?

Mr. Brown

As the hon. Member is aware, there is an elaborate arrangement to meet cases of real need, and, as a matter of fact, it does seem to meet the need.

Mr. Logan

May I inform the right hon. Gentleman that only three or four weeks ago a young man came up here who, in order to get home, would have had to pay the sum of 33s. 4d., which it was not possible for him to pay out of his income. Can nothing be done to meet these exceptional cases?

Mr. Brown

I could not answer that question without making a much longer draft on the time of the House than I feel justified in making, but I shall be very glad to print a statement of the arrangement in the OFFICIAL REPORT if hon. Members desire it.

Hon. Members

Hear, hear.

Mr. George Griffiths

Is it not a fact that many of these lads do not go home for holidays because they have no pocket money?

Mr. Brown

I have no evidence of that at all.

Mr. Griffiths

I know of half a dozen cases.

Following is the statement referred to: In the case of boys and girls of 14–18 transferred to employment under the Juvenile Transference Scheme the facilities under the scheme include the provision of financial assistance towards the cost of fares home during holiday periods. The assistance given is subject to the following conditions:—
  1. (a) juveniles who have been in employment in the new area for less than three months are not granted any facilities to return home for holidays except in the case of Christmas leave where the Divisional Controller is satisfied that the duration of the holiday justifies the home visit;
  2. (b) juveniles who have been in employment in the new area for three months but less than six months can be given assistance in respect of fares in excess of 10s., i.e., the juvenile is expected to pay his own return fare if he wishes to go home provided that fare does not exceed 10s.;
  3. (c) juveniles who have been in employment in the new area for six months, but less than 12 months are expected to contribute at least 15s. towards the return fare;
  4. (d) juveniles who have been in employment in the new area for 12 months or more are expected to bear the whole cost of the return journey."