§ 70. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Minister of Labour if he can give any reason why he sent out instructions both to the Hull and Grimsby Employment 1028 Exchanges that all transport workers who were in receipt of unemployment benefit up to the time of the dispute are now disqualified, and have been for the past few weeks, from obtaining further benefit; and if he will take action in the matter?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Betterton)Benefit was disallowed at Hull and Grimsby by the chief insurance officer, who held that dock workers at those ports were disqualified for benefit on and after 2nd July, during the continuance of the stoppage due to the dispute. The dock workers and their association had the usual right of appeal to the Court of Referees and the Umpire, and at Hull there were appeals to the Court of Referees, which upheld the insurance officer's decision.
§ Mr. THORNEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that other than dock workers have had their unemployment pay stopped; and can he tell the House what is the definition of a "transport worker"?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThe hon. Member knows that the action of the chief insurance officer is in pursuance of a statutory duty under the Act; it is open to appeal, and with that statutory right the Ministry of Labour has no right to interfere.
§ Mr. THORNEYou are driving the men to rebellion.