§ 8. Sir P. Harrisasked the Minister of Labour whether he can arrange for the opening of an office by the Unemployment Assistance Board more convenient for those registered at the Shoreditch exchange than the present premises at East India Dock Road?
§ Mr. E. BrownApplicants to the Unemployment Assistance Board lodge their applications and receive payment of their allowances at the local offices of the Ministry of Labour at which they register, where also they may notify changes of circumstances. It is the exception, and not the rule, for applicants to find it necessary to call at the Board's area office. Having regard to these circumstances, and to the present distribution of applicants in the district to which the hon. Member refers, the Board do not think they would be justified in making additional office provision for applicants registering at the Shoreditch Employment Exchange.
§ Sir P. HarrisDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that applicants have often to walk two miles to the East India Dock Road and all the way back; is he aware of the unnecessary strain and irritation caused by having these two offices so far apart, and will he try to make some more convenient arrangement?
§ Mr. BrownI have looked into the matter, but in view of what the hon. Baronet has said, I will have further inquiry made.