Captain BALFOURasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that in 1922 the charge for the use of accommodation at the Margate Employment Exchange for the use of the local Amalgamated Building Trades Benefit Club was is. per night; that about 18 months ago this was raised to 2s. 6d. per night; that recently this has again been raised to 2s. 6d. for one hour, and ls. per hour after; if he will state the reasons for these increases; and whether, in view of the charitable aims of this society, he will make a reduction in these charges?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONThe charges hitherto made for the use of room's at Employment Exchanges for the purpose of meetings have been found to be insufficient to meet the cost of heating, lighting, attendance and cleaning necessitated by the meetings, and accordingly the scale has been revised so far as necessary. I regret that I am unable to authorise a reduced charge in the case of any particular society or meeting.