17. Sir F. HALLasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Leeds electricity department for some time during the present coal dispute restricted its supply to factories on Fridays; that in response to representations that Friday was a particularly awkward day for the factories to be deprived of current the supply was extended to Fridays; that the factory hands objected to this alteration owing to the fact that when work was restricted to 1344 three days a week they were entitled to 8s a week out-of-work allowance, whereas by working on Fridays at a wage of 7s. they were debarred from claiming the 8s. allowance; and if he will state what steps are being taken to prevent this manipulation of the unemployment funds?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI am making inquiries locally in this matter, and will communicate the result to my hon. and gallant Friend.