§ 30. Mr. O'GRADYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that some employers are still pursuing the practice of irregular cancellation of unemployment insurance stamps; and whether, in view of the fact that each case has to be brought to the attention of the Board, who always allow the irregularity to pass when the individual employer proffers an apology, he will consider the desirability of issuing a rule or instruction, to apply generally, warning employers that penalties will be imposed in future when such irregularities are brought to the notice of the Board?
Mr. RUNCIMANCases of this kind occasionally come to the knowledge of the Board, but they are not aware that the practice is at all widespread. Suitable action is taken in each case in order to prevent a recurrence of the irregularity, and in one case of failing to cancel a conviction has been obtained. The regulation on the subject is a general one, and is printed on the unemployment books, which also contain a notice that stamps are to be cancelled with the date only. The Board are prepared to institute proceedings in proper cases, but they cannot undertake to do so in every case irrespective of the circumstances.
§ Mr. O'GRADYWould the fact that the employer offered an apology get him out of the difficulty?
Mr. RUNCIMANI do not know that it would get him out of the difficulty; he must abide by the regulations.
§ Mr. O'GRADYIs it not the fact that an apology has been offered to the Board of Trade and the Department have overlooked the act of an employer?