HC Deb 12 August 1947 vol 441 cc2241-2
14. Mr. Osborne

asked the Minister of Labour if he will investigate the complaint from the Maidenhead Guardians Committee that an applicant for relief had been directed by the employment exchange to canvass for a football pool company; and if he will issue instructions to prevent this occurring again.

The Minister of Labour (Mr. Isaacs)

So far as I can ascertain, there is no truth whatever in the implication made in the hon. Member's Question.

Mr. Osborne

If I send to the Minister a complaint received from a member of the committee, who is also a local magistrate, and who states that the complaint can be substantiated by other members of the committee, will he have the matter thoroughly investigated?

Mr. Isaacs

I can only deal with the Question on the Order Paper. I have not received any complaint from the Maidenhead guardians, the local Member of Parliament, or any other person. I have not directed any man to such work, because I have no power of direction; neither have I submitted any such man for such a job. Further, I cannot give an undertaking that this will not occur again, because it has not occurred.

Mr. Osborne

Is the Minister quite clear in his mind that I did not say he had directed this man, but that one of his servants had done so?

Mr. Isaacs

I have given an absolute denial. None of my staff has made any such direction, no such complaint has been received by us, and no man has been submitted by us for such a job.

Mr. William Adams

Is the Minister not aware that he has correspondence from me in his office dealing with a similar complaint in Hammersmith?

Mr. Isaacs

What has happened in Hammersmith has not been brought to my attention. I am dealing with Maidenhead.

Sir J. Lucas

Is it not a fact that many complaints have been received from Portsmouth that girls who apply at employment exchanges are given jobs as canvassers for football pools?

Mr. Isaacs

I cannot answer about Portsmouth. I have replied to the Question which has been asked and I cannot answer others without having actual cases before me.

Sir J. Lucas

It has been admitted by the right hon. Gentleman in the House.