§ Mr. JOHNasked the Minister of Labour the number of first-class, second-class and third-class officers there are in the Employment Exchanges in the following areas: North-Eastern, South-Eastern, North-Western, South-Western, Midlands, Scotland, and Wales; the number of staff employed, permanent and temporary, under these officers; and the number of divisional controllers and deputy controllers in each of the areas?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThe latest figures available are set out below in tabular form. I ought to add that the numbers given are subject to variation, owing to the coming into operation of the Unemployment Insurance Act of last Session, and also on account of fluctuations in the number and distribution of unemployed persons.
The exemption from the provisions of the Markets and Fairs (Weighing of Cattle) Acts, 1887 to 1926, granted to the Brid- 921W port Town Council in respect of the Bridport market; whether the exemption was granted before or after consultation with the organised agricultural community of the district; and whether he can undertake under no conditions further to prolong the present exemption period?
§ Captain BOWYERI have been asked to reply. The exemption in question, which was merely a continuation of a previous one granted last year, expires in March, 1929, but can be revoked at any time if necessary. The previous922W exemption was granted at the wish of the local farming community, and as the reasons which justified the granting of the exemption at that time were even stronger when the further exemption was granted in March last, the local farming community were not again consulted. My right hon. Friend will be happy, however, to reconsider the matter in the light of any proposals for dealing with the position that may be submitted, but he can give no guarantee that the present exemption will under no circumstances be continued.