HC Deb 09 February 1939 vol 343 cc1092-3
1. Mr. Pilkington

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has yet had reports of the Hartlepool experiment as to unemployed men having to sign on only once a day; and, if so, whether he will now extend this practice to Liverpool?

The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Brown)

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his question on 1st December, 1938, to which I have nothing to add.

Mr. Pilkington

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any date when he hopes the report will be in his hands? Can he expedite it?

Mr. Brown

I cannot say. It depends upon local circumstances, but representations are being made so that the matter may be dealt with at an early date.

Mr. Day

Is it intended to extend this practice?

Mr. Brown

We will wait and see the result of this experiment.

Mr. George Griffiths

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman see the hardship to these people who have to walk miles to sign on once every day for about four shillings?

Mr. Brown

There is a much larger question involved than that. The House knows that there is no more difficult question than this in the whole of labour legislation.

Mr. Robert Gibson

What is the highest number of times a man has to sign on?

Mr. Brown

Perhaps the hon. and learned Member will put that question down.

13. Mr. Logan

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is prepared to offer once-a-day signing-on facilities instead of two, as now operate for all dock labourers in Liverpool; or, alternatively, consider making some concession to those men living on housing estates on the outskirts of the city of Liverpool?

Mr. Brown

As I indicated in reply to a previous question on this subject, I think it would be premature to introduce once-a-day signing for dock workers in Liverpool. Nor do I think that the distance of the men's homes from the calling-on places is entirely relevant. In general they must attend the calling-on places if they want to get work, and, if they are unsuccessful, it is only a short distance from there to the office where they sign on.

Mr. Logan

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this matter has now been pending eight years, and that some of these men live about four miles away, and is there any reason why the men should have to go this long distance? Cannot the Department do something in this matter?

Mr. Brown

The hon. Member knows quite well that the question is not only one between London and the local area, and that in Liverpool there have been differences of opinion on this subject between some of those affected.

Mr. Logan

After eight years' consideration, is not the Minister able to do something in regard to this matter?

Mr. Brown

The answer is, as I have already said, that I think it is premature.

Mr. Pilkington

How long has the experiment been going on so far?

Mr. Brown

I would like to have notice of that question, but speaking from memory, I think about one year. But the experiment has not gone quite as smoothly as those in favour of it would have desired.