§ 33. Lieut.-Colonel Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHSasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that statements are constantly being made that enemy aliens who have returned to this country are drawing unemployment pay; and whether it is possible, under the existing Regulations, for any alien to draw unemployment doles?
§ Dr. MACNAMARANo specific case of the receipt of unemployment benefit by an enemy alien has been brought to my notice. No distinction is, however, made as regards nationality by the Unemployment Insurance Acts, and persons of foreign nationality resident in the United Kingdom are liable to pay contributions and are eligible for unemployment benefit on satisfying the same conditions as British subjects. Out-of-Work Donation is not payable to aliens unless they have served in His Majesty's forces.
§ Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHSIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that aliens are not drawing unemployment benefit now? [An HON. MEMBER: "He says they are."]
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThey are. An alien resident in this country and em- 1090 ployed in an insurable trade, who makes contributions under the Act and becomes unemployed, is eligible for benefit under the Unemployment Insurance Act. He is not eligible for Out-of-Work Donation unless he has served with the forces.
§ Sir F. FLANNERYDoes that apply to aliens who are unnaturalised?
§ Dr. MACNAMARASpeaking off-hand, yes. But perhaps my hon. Friend will put down a question.