§ Mr. SEXTONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the War Office whether the 956W use of the Scottish Drill Hall, Fraser Street, Liverpool, has been refused to the Liverpool Unemployment Exchange authorities for an exchange for unemployed ex-service men on the grounds that its use would prejudice recruiting; whether the building was used as an exchange during the period following the Armistice; whether the building was then fitted with radiators and other conveniences out of public funds; whether the building is now not used during the daytime; whether the battalion is only 30 per cent, of establishment; and whether, in view of the large number of unemployed persons in Liverpool, he will consider the advisability of lending the hall to the Unemployment Exchange Department?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI am informed that a request on behalf of the unemployment committee for the use of this drill hall was received in January last. The Territorial Force Association suggested alternative accommodation in three other vacant premises, and no further representations on the matter have been received. The drill hall was used in 1919 as an Employment Exchange, and the fittings which were then installed by His Majesty's Office of Works have been removed with two exceptions which were purchased by the association. The building is now used in the daytime, and if it was used as an Employment Exchange it would be impossible to drill and train Territorial soldiers during the evenings, as floor space would be occupied by desks, etc.