§ 5. Mr. Vaughan-Morganasked the Minister of Labour how many people have been on the books of the London Appointments Office to the last convenient date; how many openings have been filled in the same period; and how many people have been on their staff.
§ Sir W. MoncktonDuring the 12 months ending 15th September, 1952, 21,418 persons registered, or renewed registration, at the London Appointments Office and in the same period 2,288 registrants were placed in employment. The staff in post is 207, part of whom are engaged on an advisory service which is extensively used.
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganWould my right hon. and learned Friend consider having a Departmental inquiry into the London Appointments Office, because from the figures which he has just given us they seem to be singularly ineffective, and there is a widespread impression that the office is not as energetic as it ought to be in selling its services—if I may use the phrase—to employers?
§ Sir W. MoncktonI do not assent to that view of the work of the London Appointments Office. The first thing that ought to be borne in mind is that less than half those who are on the register are unemployed; there are also people who have employment and want different employment. One cannot judge by the number of persons who are registered and the number who are placed. Dealing with people who want to be exchanged is one thing, but when doing the advisory work properly—as I am satisfied they are trying to do—many people are sent to employment exchanges, and they are credited as being placed by them, although the work has been started by the Appointments Office.