§ Sir J. MARRIOTTasked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the recommendations in the First Report of the Select Committee on Estimates; and whether they will be carried out?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThe suggested concentration of office accommodation for the Headquarters of the Ministry in London was dealt with in the reply given on behalf of the First Commissioner of Works to my Noble Friend the Member for Shrewsbury (Viscount Sandon) on the 22nd June, 1925. As regards the question of selection of sites for Employment Exchanges, the Department has the matter under careful consideration in conjunction with the Office of Works and advantage will be taken of any readjustment which would promote economy consistently with public convenience and Departmental efficiency. The suggested amalgamation of the "Ministry of Labour Gazette" and "Board of Trade 2431W Journal" is being examined in consultation with the Board of Trade, but in so far as can be seen at present it does not appear probable that such an amalgamation would be advantageous or conducive to economy. The suggested alteration in the number of votes of Great Britain at the International Labour Conference would require an alteration in the Treaty of Versailles by which this matter is regulated.
§ Mr. RAINEasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that a building has been taken in Sunderland on a 10 years' lease, at £500 per annum, for the purpose of being used as more commodious premises for the Employment Exchange; and, although nearly nine years has elapsed since vacant possession of the said premises was given, no use whatever has been made of the said premises, what steps does he propose to take in order to save the paying of rent on two buildings when only one is required?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONI think the hon. Member must have been misinformed. Premises in Sunderland were taken six months ago on a 14 years' lease at £450 per annum for Labour Exchange purposes. During the intervening period a scheme of adaptations has been prepared, and when the premises are adapted and occupied the premises vacated will either be disposed of or used for other Government purposes.