19. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Minister of Labour whether men who were employed in an insured trade 2057 before they enlisted had their insurance accounts credited with full contributions during their period of service with the forces; and, if so, how is it that in many cases they are being told they have exhausted their right to covenanted benefit, notwithstanding the fact that since their demobilisation they have not received as much covenanted unemployment benefit as is being paid to non-service men engaged in the same trade?
§ Dr. MACNAMARABefore the passing of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1920, no unemployment insurance contributions were paid or credited for service with the forces. Under that Act men discharged from the forces after 31st July, 1920, have been credited with contributions in respect of their services— 90 contributions if discharged before July, 1922, and 156 contributions if discharged after that date. As my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, ex-service men discharged up to 31st July, 1920, received out-of-work donation amounting in total to a very large sum, and have received preferential treatment as regards un-covenanted benefit under the Unemployment Insurance Acts.
Mr. THOMSONCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the ex-service men are not in a worse position than they would have been if their accounts had been credited with their payment up to the time they were serving with the Colours?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThat it is difficult to say. What I can say, however, is that, both in respect of the Insurance Act and relief works, we have endeavoured to give preference to ex-service men.