§ 62. Mr. GAVAN-DUFFYasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that a number of semi-skilled textile workers who had been employed at Cleator Mill, 319 Cleator, Cumberland, had been refused unemployment benefit because they refused to enter domestic service for which they have had no training, and are not suitable for such work, which work is not available for a number of trained domestic servants who reside in the district; and will he inquire into the matter?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Mr. Thomas Shaw)I am not aware of the cases referred to by my hon. Friend, but I am having inquiries made, and will communicate the result to him as soon as possible.
§ Mr. GAVAN-DUFFYIs it the fact. that the direct result of the action which has been taken is to deprive these women of Poor Law relief, and that, while my right hon. Friend is inquiring curiously, these unfortunate people are starving patiently, and yet he subscribes to the doctrine that under his administration no person should starve?
§ Mr. SHAWI am not aware of the facts referred to, but if my hon. Friend had sent them to me I could have gone ahead with the work.
§ Mr. GAVAN-DUFFYThat is not enough.