§ 55. Mr. MARDY JONESasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that David Adams, a miner, formerly employed at the Meiros Collieries, Llanharran, Glamorgan, has been discharged on the allegation of filling dirty coal; that he has since been refused his unemployment benefits by the Ministry of Labour on the ex-parte statement of the colliery company; whether he will have inquiries made into this case; whether it is the practice of the Ministry of Labour to accept the ex-parte statements of colliery companies in such cases; and will he issue instructions that no miner is to be deprived of his unemployment benefits on such charges without being given an opportunity to disprove the said charges?
§ Sir M. BARLOWI am making inquiry as to whether the Exchange in this case followed the usual practice, which is to supply the applicant with a copy of any statement by his last employer which may lead to refusal of benefit. I may mention that a statement from David Adams was put before the Insurance Officer, together with the employer's statement, and he also stated his case in person before the Court of Referees, which upheld the disallowance of benefit.
§ Mr. JONESIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reason given, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this question on the first opportunity on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House.