Mr. TYSON WILSON(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Labour whether the emergency arrangements for the payment of Out-of-Work Donation and Unemployment Benefit, announced by the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Labour on 21st October, are still in operation; and, if so, how long it is proposed to continue them?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAAlthough the coal strike is now at an end, some little time must elapse before the volume of unemployment caused thereby is reduced sufficiently to enable the normal procedure with regard to payment of Out-of-Work Donation and Unemployment Benefit to be resumed. Accordingly, the emergency arrangements will continue until Saturday, November 20th; thereafter the ordinary procedure will be in force.
§ Mr. SEXTONWill the right hon. Gentleman inform the House as to whether there is any arrangement being made for the probationary period before the Act comes into operation in respect of receipt of benefits for those out of employment?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThat is another question. We are here dealing with the emergency arrangements for the coal strike period. What my hon. Friend is referring to is the fact that under the new Insurance Act people cannot draw benefit till they have paid four contributions. That is another question.