HC Deb 05 November 1912 vol 43 cc1031-2
70. Mr. LANSBURY

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will lay upon the Table of the House a full and complete statement as to the reasons which induced the Board of Trade to discharge Mrs. Best both from service in the Labour Exchange and Insurance Departments of the Board of Trade and National Insurance Commission; if there is still a sum of money, namely, £22 0s. 2d., due to Mrs. Best remaining unpaid; and whether he is aware that Mrs. Best and her child are at this moment suffering very severely owing to the refusal of his Department to pay her what is admitted to be due to her?

Mr. J. M. ROBERTSON

As has already been stated in reply to a question asked by the Member for Barrow-in-Furness on 14th October, the decision to dispense with the services of the officer in question was only arrived at after a careful investigation which received my personal attention, and which showed she was not suited to the work of a Labour Exchange. A claim for £22 0s. 2d. was received from Mrs. Best, and of this sum £19 0s. 10d.r which was admittedly due to her, has been sent to her representatives. Thus the amount which is in question is £2 19s. 4d. only. The figures are now in course of adjustment.

Mr. LANSBURY

When was the £19 sent to Mrs. Best and how long has the money been owing? Also, why was not Mrs. Best allowed to take up the appointment to which she was appointed under the Health Insurance Commission?

Mr. ROBERTSON

The hon. Member must give me notice.

Mr. LANSBURY

I have given notice in the question.

Mr. ROBERTSON

The hon. Gentleman asks if there is a sum of money still due to Mrs. Best. I have answered that. Ho is asking a further question.

Mr. LANSBURY

It is in the question on the Paper.

Mr. ROBERTSON

I cannot see any such point as the hon. Member now raises.

Mr. LANSBURY

I asked for a complete statement of the reasons which induced the Board of Trade to discharge Mrs. Best from service in the Labour Exchange and Insurance Department.

Mr. ROBERTSON

I have answered that she was discharged as being found unfit for the post. I have answered the further question as to the sum of money. The fact that she is suffering is the only point I have not dealt with. That is a matter on which the Department has no information at all.