§ Colonel DAYasked the Minister of Labour what was the number of workers in the building industry unemployed on the last available date; and whether any assistance is provided in the way of paying fares to enable these men to travel where work is available?
§ Mr. BETTERTONOn the 22nd June, 50,910 building trade workers were registered at Employment Exchanges as unemployed of whom 12,000 were skilled workers, 20,000 skilled workers labourers and 18,000 others. Under the Labour1576W Exchanges Act, 1909, fares may be advanced by way of loan to enable workmen to travel to places where employment has been found for them through an Employment Exchange. If such a workman is an insured contributor who appears to be entitled to benefit at the date of the advance one half of the amount by which the fare exceeds 4s. may be paid outright out of the Unemployment Fund.