EXCHANGES.

HC Deb 05 August 1925 vol 187 cc1372-4W

Colonel DAY

asked the Minister of Labour what is the number of cases dealt with by the Employment Exchange in the Borough of Southwark; what is the number of staff engaged in the office; and the total number of hours of overtime worked in the office during the months of April, May and June, respectively?

Mr. BETTERTON

I am not clear to what figures the first part of the question refers. The number of persons on the live register at the Exchange at the present time is, approximately, 7,700, while the number of staff is 62. The total number of hours' overtime worked during April, May and June was 34½, 33½ and 31, respectively, an average of, approximately, half an hour per head per month.

Lieut.-Colonel SHAW

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Employment Exchange office at John-stone is quite unsuitable for the work transacted there, being unhealthy and dirty: and whether, having regard to the well-being of the staff, he can take any steps with a view to improving the existing conditions?

Mr. BETTERTON

I am not aware that the existing premises of the Johnstone Exchange are unhealthy or dirty, but they are unsuitable and negotiations for the provision of alternative accommodation are in hand.

Mr. WOMERSLEY

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Grimsby Employment Exchange has no

Claims to Unemployment Benefit at the Govan Employment Exchange.
Months	Fresh and Repeat Claims to Benefit.	Applications rejected on the ground that Claimants
Were not genuinely seeking work.	Were not making reasonable efforts to obtain employment.
1925.
January	…	…	1,734	2	112
February	…	…	2,061	2	230
March	…	…	2,457	3	63
April	…	…	1,936	19	253
May	…	…	2,205	9	121
June	…	…	2,058	11	133
Total	…	…	13,351	46	912

washing accommodation for the male staff; and whether he will make inquiries and see whether such accommodation can be provided?

Mr. BETTERTON

It is not the case that there is no washing accommodation for the male staff; but improved facilities will be provided by means of certain alterations now in process of being made.