HC Deb 04 July 1972 vol 840 cc216-7
1. Mr. Strang

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what further representation he has received regarding the need for legislation to control private employment agencies.

The Minister of State, Department of Employment (Mr. R. Chichester-Clark)

My right hon. Friend has received occasional complaints from the general public about the activities of private employment agencies, some suggesting the need for further legislation. The General Secretary of the British Actors Equity Association has made similar representations.

Mr. Strang

Does the Minister accept that Government action to deal with the well-established anti-social malpractices of these agencies is long overdue? While it may be too much to hope for the present Government to abolish private employment agencies, will the Minister seriously consider giving the Department of Employment a monopoly in the placement of permanent jobs and leaving the agencies to look after the "temps"?

Mr. Chichester-Clark

Arrangements for the control of private employment agencies exist in only a limited number of local authority areas. In general, the controls which exist date from 1921. As I think the hon. Gentleman, or another hon. Member, was told earlier, a review of this legislation is in progress. It is still too early to say whether this will lead to further legislation.

Mr. Stanbrook

Surely it is better to improve the existing services than to bash private enterprise?

Mr. Chichester-Clark

I think we had better wait and see what future action is needed until my right hon. Friend receives the report in the next few weeks.

Mr. Ewing

Is the Minister aware that, although complaints to his Department are only occasional, the discontent caused by employment agencies is fairly widespread, particularly when applicants are placed in jobs abroad? I have recently had a complaint from two young girls in my constituency each of whom was charged £25 to be placed in a job in Germany which turned out to be nothing like the job described by the agency. The girls are victims of the employment agency.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

The outcome of the investigations may show that there is a case for improving hours and matters of that sort, but there are difficult matters of definition. I think we had better wait and see what comes out of the inquiry.

Mr. John Page

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Employment Agencies Association, which represents the majority of employment agents, would be willing to see sensible legislation and has, I believe, made representations to his Department about this?

Mr. Chichester-Clark

I will certainly take into account what my hon. Friend has said.