§ 33. Mr. O'GRADYasked whether a secretary of a trade union branch, not being a permanent paid official of his union in receipt of a weekly salary and carrying out the duties of his office in his spare time at evenings, and not in the ordinary working day, can be debarred from unemployment benefit under Part II. of the National Insurance Act, he being a compulsory insured person, on the ground that his remuneration as a branch official of his trade union for carrying out such duties is greater than he would derive from the receipt of unemployment benefit under the Act?
Mr. ROBERTSONThe question raised by my hon. Friend, if arising on a claim to benefit, would ultimately be determined not by the Board of Trade but by the Umpire, having regard to the circumstances of each case. I am, therefore, not in a position to give an authoritative answer, but if he will give me full particulars of any case which he has in mind, I will look into them and communicate with him further.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that when these cases are submitted they take about four or five weeks before a reply can be given, and the man is deprived of his benefit?
Mr. ROBERTSONThat is surely not the rule. If the hon. Member will furnish me with the details we will make inquiries.