12. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the large amount of uncertainty existing as to the benefits payable under the Unemployment Insurance Acts on account of six different Acts having been passed in three years, he will state in explicit terms the benefits which are now payable in the current year and what contributions are required to secure the same; and whether, in estimating existing credits, regard is had to the whole of the contributions made since the claimant first became an insured person?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Dr. Macnamara)Leaflets for the information of claimants for uncovenanted benefit are obtainable at Employment Exchanges. A revised leaflet embodying the changes made by the Act passed on 20th July is on the point of issue, and I will send a copy to my hon. and gallant Friend. Arrangements are also made, by means of simply worded posters and otherwise, to bring the conditions for benefit to the notice of applicants. With regard to the last part of the question, the whole of the contributions paid by an insured person (and not already exhausted by benefit) are in general taken into account; and during the fourth special period, 2nd November, 1922, to 1st July, 1923, no account will be taken of benefit drawn between the 7th November, 1920, and the 2nd November, 1922, in determining whether contributions have been exhausted by benefit.
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI have an unrevised copy in my hand. I should think so. I hope the hon. Member will look them through with me.