35. Mrs. Braddockasked the Minister of Labour the number of men and women who were signing at employment exchanges, as unemployed, who have accepted jobs away from Liverpool since 1st January, 1948.
§ Mr. IsaacsSince 1st January, 1948, 3,149 men and 652 women who were registering at employment exchanges in Liverpool and Bootle have been placed in employment outside Merseyside.
Mrs. BraddockDoes not the right hon Gentleman realise that, although hundreds of these people have gone from Liverpool, the Liverpool figures of unemployment are still rising, and does he not think that some extra steps ought to be taken by his Department or some other Department to alter the situation in Liverpool?
§ Mr. IsaacsThe extra steps taken to alter the situation are to encourage whatever industries we can to find a place 195 there. I think that the figures show the very great readiness of these men and women to take work wherever it can be provided for them. A great number of others are willing to take work elsewhere if accommodation can be provided when they get there.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyWill the Minister consult his colleagues and see whether they can get new buildings put up in other parts of North-West England as well as Liverpool?
§ Mr. IsaacsThat is being done in other areas, but the position in Liverpool is more acute than elsewhere, and that is why we have concentrated on it.
§ Mr. KeenanWill my right hon. Friend look into the question of the allowances granted to persons sent elsewhere? In view of the fact that some of the allowances are not adequate and expenses are being incurred, as I pointed out in a Question yesterday, these persons, unless something is done, are likely to refuse to go or will very soon return.
§ Mr. IsaacsI have not the facts in mind at the moment, but I will look into the matter.