§ Lieut.-Colonel HURSTasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that on the 27th June persons entitled to unemployment pay at the Employment Exchange, Aytoun Street, Manchester, were kept waiting 2½ hours after the appointed time before being allowed to sign their names, and that they were then told they could not be paid as their papers had not come through; and whether he will inquire into this complaint and, if well founded, take action?
Sir M. BARLOWI regret that some delay occurred on this date, owing to the large number of applicants who were renewing their claims and to an alteration of the timing arrangements. About 5,000 applicants were dealt with on that day. The day in question was not a pay day, and the delay occurred in connection with the renewal of claims and the taking54W of signatures and not in connection with the payment of benefit. Steps have been taken to prevent a recurrence.