Mr. Clifford Williamsasked the Minister of Labour how many representations he has had about employment agencies 314W which charge large sums to unemployed executives even in cases where no job is offered; and what reply he has sent.
§ Mr. FernyhoughWe have received two letters of complaint about the firm National Executive Search Ltd., alleging that unemployed men have paid sums as high as £150 or £250 for the agency's services without obtaining any offer of a job. Our replies explained that, unfortunately, the Minister has at present no power to control the activities of private employment agencies. In some areas they are subject to local authority licensing and by-laws, but this is not so in the area in which this firm has its headquarters. The Employment Agencies Bill, introduced by my hon. Friend the Member for Putney (Mr. Hugh Jenkins), will if enacted provide for a national system of licensing and regulation. It comes up for Report Stage and Third Reading on Friday of this week, 28th April, and I hope it will have a successful passage.