35. Sir F. HALLasked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the case of a married man who was sentenced to six weeks' hard labour on 24th April for stealing a bicycle; whether he is aware that it appeared in evidence that the man, who was in receipt of 38s. a week from the guardians, had done no work for three years and spent his time principally in backing horses and taking bicycle rides; and whether, in view of the wastage of public funds caused by fraudulent cases of this kind, he will state what action the Government propose to take to prevent such habitual abuse of unemployment benefit?
§ Mr. SHAWThe hon. and gallant Member states that the man referred to was in receipt of 38s. a week from the guardians. The question of abuse of unemployment benefit does not therefore arise. If he can give me particulars of any case of abuse in connection with the Unemployment Fund, I shall be glad to inquire into it.