Mr. RUTHERFORD:

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the growth of the district, he will consider the provision of an Employment Exchange in Edmonton?

There are at present three Employment Exchanges within approximately two miles of the centre of Edmonton. These Exchanges are fully adequate for the needs of the area, and I should not be justified in adding to them in present circumstances.

Mr. RUTHERFORD:

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the population of the district has grown by nearly 10,000 between 1930 and 1933; that an unemployed person would have to walk two miles in either direction from Edmonton Town Hall either to. Tottenham Employment Exchange or to the Employment Exchange at Ponders End; and, in view of these facts, will he reconsider his decision?

I have considered all these facts. It is true that the population has grown, but I have reason to believe that the present arrangements are adequate for the needs of the population, and I would not be justified in incurring additional public expense.

Mr. RUTHERFORD:

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is a great hardship to unemployed persons to have to walk two miles in order to sign on at the Exchange; and is he further aware that, in spite of the fact that there are three Exchanges within a certain radius, unemployed people have still to walk that distance?

It is true that a certain limited number of these people have to go two miles, but I am not prepared to say that that is unreasonable.