§ 32. Mr. Yatesasked the Minister of Labour, in view of the fact that an adequate service for catering employment is already provided by his employment exchanges, and in view of the unsatisfactory activities of fee-charging private employment agencies, if he will take powers to enable him to regulate their activities.
§ 34. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Minister of Labour whether he will take steps to control or abolish privately-owned employment agencies charging excessive fees.
§ Sir W. MoncktonThe question of the regulation of private employment agencies is under consideration.
§ Mr. YatesWill the Minister bear in mind that in some cases amounts of from £10 to £30 are being charged for obtaining work and that this is most undesirable? In view of the attitude of the International Labour Office, will the right hon. and learned Gentleman be good enough to consider their viewpoint regarding the closing of such agencies?
§ Sir W. MoncktonYes, Sir. It is the desirability of bringing the matter into accord with Convention No. 96 of the 1249 International Labour Conference, 1949, that makes it necessary to consider at official level what ought to be done. We expect the report to be with Ministers shortly.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIs the Minister aware that a further reason for speedy action in this matter is the growing unemployment, which makes it necessary that this racket should be brought to an end as quickly as possible?
§ Sir W. MoncktonI do not want to assume the racket until I have seen the report.
§ Sir William DarlingWill my right hon. and learned Friend bear in mind that these private, independent employment agencies are very much preferred by many classes of workers, and will he see that their independence is preserved?