§ 84. Mr. ERSKINEasked the Minister of Labour what benefits an ex-service man man with a wife and five children under 14, and who is out of work, is entitled to; and what would his pay be if employed at casual labour in St. James's Park under the Office of Works?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Dr. Macnamara)Provided that the conditions laid down by the Acts are fulfilled, the weekly rate of unemployment benefit and dependants' grants in the case mentioned by my hon. Friend would be 25s. As regards the second part of the question, I am informed by my right hon. Friend the First Commissioner of Works that the rate of pay for casual labour in St. James's Park, based on 75 per cent. of the rate for permanent employés in the Royal Parks, is approximately 37s. 6d. for a five-day week. If a man who is claiming "free" benefit 2352 refused such work his case would be submitted at once to the local employment committee.
§ Mr. ERSKINEIs it not a fact that a man who is said to earn 36s. per week when in work gets 45s. per week when out of work?
§ Dr. MACNAMARANot in unemployment benefit.