§ Mr. HAILWOOD(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that no money was received last Friday in Manchester to pay out benefits under the National Insurance scheme; that the unemployed were advised in large crowds to visit the guardians' relief offices; that resentment is felt amongst the unemployed at this stoppage of their benefit without warning, and that in one case a brick has been thrown through the window of the Employment Exchange; and can he explain why this stoppage of payment has occurred, and what remedy he proposes?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Dr. Macnamara)I have made inquiries into this case and the facts are as follows: There was no shortage of money for the payment of benefit at the Manchester Exchange on the day in question—in fact, over £8,000 was paid out in benefit on that day. It is a fact that a considerable number of applicants have not yet had their cases for the six weeks' extension reviewed by the local employment committee, who are, of course, confronted with a very heavy task. Every effort is being made to have these cases reviewed so that, in appropriate cases, payment may be made this week.
Mr. ALFRED DAVIES (Clitheroe)Did the same thing occur in Sheffield where the men did not receive their benefit?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIt might very well be that the cases for the six weeks' extension had not been reviewed by the local Unemployment Committee. They have a very heavy task, and we are grateful for the services which they have rendered. If they have not gone through the whole of the cases it is not through any want of endeavour on their part.
§ Mr. HAYDAYIn view of the long period during which these men have suffered unemployment, and the hardship created by the period that elapsed last year before this six weeks was eventually conceded, will the right hon. Gentleman make some special effort to see that no delay that can be prevented by commencing the inquiry prior to the period of exhaustion shall be allowed to take place?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThose cases are cases in which there is some doubt. Where there is a perfectly plain case there is no delay. The voluntary workers on these committees have got a stupendous task, and they are performing it with great expedition.
§ Mr. HAILWOODWould it not be advisable to have the unemployed notified that a change has taken place in order that they will not be misled?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI do not think that these people have been misled. I think that these people are only too conscious beforehand that their six weeks' period is coming to an end.
§ Mr. HAYDAYCould there not be some special effort to prevent delay, even by giving greater powers to the exchange authorising them to review the cases with greater rapidity?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAWe take every care. This category is limited to those as to whom we desire to ascertain whether they really are eligible. These cases require a certain amount of investigation. All avoidable delay shall be prevented. We are doing all we possibly can.