HC Deb 04 December 1911 vol 32 c1024
Mr. JOWETT

asked if, under Part II. of the National Insurance Bill, an unemployed trade unionist workman belonging to one of the compulsorily insured trades, and whose union pays unemployed benefits, will be obliged to register at a Labour Exchange, if there is one in his district, in order to qualify his union to draw the unemployed benefit of 7s. per week on his account?

Mr. ROBERTSON

Every workman in the insured trades claiming unemployment benefit, whether directly through the insurance office or (as in the case put by my hon. Friend) through his trade union, will be required at the outset to lodge his insurance book or card at the Labour Exchange or other local insurance office. How far the signature of the society's vacant book will thereafter be accepted in lieu of daily registration at the Labour Exchange will depend upon the nature of the arrangement made with each society, and in particular on the place where its vacant book is kept.

Mr. HARRY LAWSON

What are the local insurance offices other than the Labour Exchanges?

Mr. ROBERTSON

It is understood that the unemployed insurance will be worked through the Labour Exchanges. I cannot, off-hand, say whether there will be any additional offices.