§ Mr. LANSBURYasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that in December, 1922, the employment Department suffered a loss of £1,300 through theft and defalcation of the finance officer at Clapham Junction Employment Exchange; and whether, in view of the facts disclosed by the Departmental Inquiry and in view of the losses by theft, which have been estimated to amount to £8 in every £10,000 allotted for the payment of unemployment benefit and to represent an annual loss by theft of over £50,000, he will, in order that these matters may be thoroughly investigated, appoint a Committee to inquire into the whole question of the administration of Employment Exchanges, including the recruitment of officials, the arrangements for pensioning, and all other matters connected with the work of the Exchanges?
§ Mr. SHAWThe losses by internal theft or fraud for 1922–23, including the loss of about £1,300 at the Clapham 851W Junction Exchange, amounted to £6,500 and not £50,000, as stated in the question. This is 3½d. per £100 disbursed, or 30s. per £10,000, the expenditure on benefit being about £45,000,000. Each such loss is most carefully investigated and those who appear to be guilty of fraud are prosecuted. Suitable action is also taken regarding any lack of control by superior officers, which may have helped to make fraud possible. While every possible precaution is being taken and will continue to be taken to prevent fraud, I do not think the figures I have quoted afford any ground for the setting up of a Committee of Inquiry.