HC Deb 24 November 1919 vol 121 cc1442-3
102. Mr. H. JONES

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in cases where workmen in regular employment are unemployed for a portion of a week owing to stoppage of machinery or other cause, they are entitled, irrespective of the amount earned for the. remainder of the week, to out-of-work donation; and, if so, what are the sums paid on this account up to date for England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, respectively?

Mr. WARDLE

Payment of donation in such a case is limited by the Rules as to the "waiting period" which must elapse before payment begins and by the requirement that a special tribunal must be satisfied that the stoppage is due to some industrial cause. Subject to these limitations, donation would be payable on the Same terms as if the workmen were out of a situation, and no account is taken of the amount he earns when in work. The hon. Member is aware that payment of donation is now limited to ex-members of His Majesty's Forces. The amount paid in out-of-work donation on account of short-time working between 3rd May, 1919, and 7th November, 1919, was as follows:

England £216,430
Scotland 74,383
Ireland 300,093
Wales 14,248
During the same, period the total amount of donation paid was:
England £16,064,541
Scotland 2,075,296
Ireland 2,763,694
Wales 461,887

Major BREESE

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether the "waiting period" applies to men and women in regular employment?

Mr. WARDLE

Yes.

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