§ 78. Mr. CASEYasked the Minister of Labour whether the men employed at collieries, other than miners, who have been prevented from following their employment through the miners' strike, are entitled to State unemployment benefits?
§ Mr. WARDLEThe workmen to whom my hon. Friend refers would not be entitled to benefit, unless in any particular case they are employed in a separate department in a branch of work which is commonly carried on as a separate business in separate premises. The interpretation of this provision in any cases of doubt rests with the umpire, who is an independent judicial officer appointed by the Crown.
§ Mr. NEALAre winding-men and pumping-men, who have no connection with the union which has called the strike, to be refused any payment through circumstances over which they have no control?
§ Mr. J. DAVISONAnd would that also apply to other workmen who are all unemployed through the same cause?
§ Mr. WARDLEThis is a general regulation, and it depends entirely on the circumstances whether it applies or not.
Mr. J. JONESWhat about the labourers working about the mines? Are they not entitled to unemployment benefit?
§ Mr. WARDLEThe same answer I have given applies.