§ Mr. T1LLETT(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that unemployment benefit has been refused the unemployed marchers; that all these men register each day at the Employment Exchange of the district in which they find themselves; that on all occasions the men are willing to undertake any work which can be provided; and is the Minister aware that the exchange authorities at Glasgow and Barrow have refused to issue travelling cards to the marchers, and whether this action is in accordance with the law?
§ Sir M. BARLOWIn accordance with the provisions of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1920, the final decision on the question whether unemployment benefit was payable to the unemployed marchers rested with the Umpire, who is an independent authority appointed by the Crown. Test cases relating to the unemployed marchers were heard by the Umpire, who decided that benefit was not payable. As regards the last part of the question, the travelling cards referred to are provided in the case of workpeople travelling with the object of seeking work, and it was therefore decided that "they could not be made use of in the circumstances referred to.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWhat are the grounds on which the Umpire gave this ruling?
§ Sir M. BARLOWI am not quite certain whether the decision has been made public or not. I believe it has not.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIf these men are cut away from the Unemployment Bill, does it follow that their wives and children will also lose unemployment benefit?
§ Sir M. BARLOWI believe that is so. I will look into it.
§ Mr. J. E. DAVISONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that when persons ask at the Employment Exchange for travelling tickets, the clerk asks if they are on pleasure?
§ Sir M. BARLOWI have explained the object for which these tickets are given. They are given to men seeking for work. Presumably if they were going on pleasure they would not be seeking work.