§ 47. Sir John Mellorasked the Minister of Labour what action he has taken to ensure privacy for interviews at employment exchanges as recommended by the Catering Wages Commission.
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Isaacs)The importance of securing privacy for interviewing applicants at employment exchanges has long been recognised by my Department. In many exchanges there are either separate interviewing rooms or other suitable places where privacy is assured. In other offices without such provision, privacy during interviews is secured by the use of separate tables so spaced as to prevent conversation being overheard.
§ Sir J. MellorDoes not the right hon. Gentleman agree with the Commission that it is most objectionable that people should be required to discuss their private affairs over the public counter, and will he give an assurance that that sort of thing will bo stopped forthwith?
§ Mr. IsaacsThe stopping of that objectionable practice was in operation before I came into Office. The Ministry has long recognised the unsuitability of the position and active steps have been taken to meet the end suggested by the hon. Member. While I cannot give an assurance as to the time when it will be achieved, it is intended to secure the absolute maximum of privacy in these cases.
§ Sir J. MellorIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the report of the Commission published last July this was stated to be a matter of very serious criticism?
§ Mr. IsaacsWe know this is a matter of serious criticism, but the need for separate interviewing places has long been established—indeed before the Commission made its report.