HC Deb 15 July 1937 vol 326 cc1452-3
10. Mr. Day

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons from the depressed areas who have found employment in London through the Employment Exchanges during the 12 months ended to the last convenient date; will he give comparable figures for the previous 12 months; how many of these persons have been found employment through the Borough (Walworth Road) Employment Exchange; and the number of effective grants that have been made to these persons for household removal to the London area?

Mr. E. Brown

During the 12 months ended May, 1937, 5,295 persons from the depressed areas were placed by local offices of the Department in employment in London as compared with 4,509 during the 12 months ended May, 1936; of these 59 were placed by the Borough Employment Exchange during the 12 months ended May, 1937, and 51 during the 12 months ended May, 1936. These figures relate to adults. Comparable figures for boys and girls are not available. Actual figures of household removals into particular areas are not available, but it is estimated that during the two years ended May, 1937, approximately 4,000 families from the depressed areas were assisted to remove to the London division.

Mr. Day

Is any provision made for housing these families before transfer takes place?

Mr. Brown

The hon. Member knows that the Ministry of Labour makes many inquiries about the matter.

Mr. T. Williams

How many of the transferred persons are still working in London?

Mr. Brown

I will make inquiries if a question is put down.

Mr. Day

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the manner in which transference is proceeding?

Mr. Brown

I think it is an admirable piece of work.