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Mining Dispute (Pamphlet Distribution).

Oral Answers to Questions — Unemployment. – in the House of Commons at on 21 July 1920.

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Photo of Major Robert Barker Major Robert Barker , Sowerby

50.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that on 9th July, 1925, an applicant for employment at Cardiff Employment Exchange was sent to Newbridge, Monmouthshire, to distribute pamphlets printed by the Tudor Printing Works, Cardiff: that these pamphlets were issued in the interest of the South Wales coalowners on the present situation in the mining industry; and will he see that Employment Exchanges are not used for this purpose?

Photo of Sir Henry Betterton Sir Henry Betterton , Rushcliffe

Inquiry is being made, and I. will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as I have ascertained the facts. Assuming, however, that the vacancy was one for bona fide employment, I do not think the Exchange could have refused to deal with it, for the reason suggested in the question.

Photo of Major Robert Barker Major Robert Barker , Sowerby

Is it in the interests of industry to use a Government Department in the interests of one side of a dispute?

Photo of Sir Henry Betterton Sir Henry Betterton , Rushcliffe

As far as the Ministry of Labour is concerned, the matter is entirely one of employment, and exactly the same conditions would be applied either to the owners or to the Miners' Federation.

Mr. MONTAGUE:

Supposing a person of that kind refused the employment, would he have been deprived of benefit?

Photo of Sir Henry Betterton Sir Henry Betterton , Rushcliffe

That is a hypothetical question.

Minister

Ministers make up the Government and almost all are members of the House of Lords or the House of Commons. There are three main types of Minister. Departmental Ministers are in charge of Government Departments. The Government is divided into different Departments which have responsibilities for different areas. For example the Treasury is in charge of Government spending. Departmental Ministers in the Cabinet are generally called 'Secretary of State' but some have special titles such as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Ministers of State and Junior Ministers assist the ministers in charge of the department. They normally have responsibility for a particular area within the department and are sometimes given a title that reflects this - for example Minister of Transport.