HC Deb 25 March 1912 vol 36 cc19-20
Mr. WILLIAM THORNE

asked whether all workmen in insured trades under the National Health Insurance Act, Part II., would receive benefit in circumstances similar to those at present existing, whereby many thousands of workmen are thrown out of employment through lack of fuel and material, as a result of the mining industry dispute, although themselves not in dispute with their employers?

Mr. ROBERTSON

Workmen not themselves engaged at a coal mine who are thrown out of work as a consequence of a dispute affecting coal miners in the circumstances mentioned in the question would, generally speaking, not be disqualified for receipt of unemployment benefit under Part II. of the National Insurance Act. The decision, however, as to the qualification of any person would rest with the Courts of Referees or the Umpire, and not with the Board of Trade.