HC Deb 07 August 1924 vol 176 cc3119-20W
Mr. W. THORNE

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that in consequence of there being no Employment Exchange for Barking a large number of members of the various trades unions are put to great inconvenience in having to sign on at other Employment Exchanges; if he can state whether he has received any communication from the town clerk to the Barking Town Urban District Council concerning the matter; and whether the Government has any intention of providing a Labour Exchange for Barking, which has a population of many thousands?

Miss BONDFIELD

Representations on this subject have been made by the Barking Town Urban District Council, but having regard to the smaller numbers on the registers at present and to the fact that there are two Exchanges within a 2½-mile radius of Barking, I am afraid that the opening of an Employment Exchange at Barking cannot be justified at the present time. I can assure my hon. Friend, however, that the claims of Barking to separate Exchange facilities shall receive further consideration if and when any change in the position arises.