HC Deb 01 April 1925 vol 182 cc1294-6
36. Colonel DAY

asked the Minister of Labour how many unemployed have been refused unemployed benefit at the Walworth Road Employment Exchange during January and February, 1925, owing to the fact that they have failed to qualify for such benefit owing to the new Regulations increasing the number of stamps required; and how many have been disallowed benefit since the new Regulations were introduced?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

The condition referred to by the hon. and gallant Member did not take effect until 19th February, 1925. Between that date and 16th March the number of applicants refused benefit at the Borough Exchange on account of the new condition was 18.

49. Mr. HAYDAY

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has received from the Nottingham Board of Guardians a copy of a resolution passed by them on 24th March, asking him to suspend the recent Memorandum which deprived a large number of people of unemployment benefit and caused an increase in the number of applicants for Poor Law relief; and is he now prepared to favourably consider withdrawing the Circular or Memorandum complained of?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I have received the resolution referred to. This matter was fully discussed in the Debate on 9th March, and for reasons which I then gave, I am afraid I cannot relax the requirement referred to.

Mr. HAYDAY

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that, in view of the general feeling throughout the country, especially as expressed by boards of guardians, this is a new circumstance that might lead him to reconsider the Circular?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

No, Sir.

63. Mr. CLARRY

asked the Minister of Labour what has been the incidence of his recent regulation regarding the number of contributions which a claimant for unemployment benefit must have to his credit in London and the surrounding districts?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

The total number disqualified in Greater London up to 23rd March was 632.

Mr. CLARRY

Is the Minister aware that the hon. Member for Silvertown (Mr. J. Jones), on repeated occasions in this House, has stated that at least 1,000 people have been thrown on the board of guardians in the West Ham area owing to this regulation, and can he explain the discrepancy in the figures?

HON. MEMBERS

The West Ham union.

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not now arise.

Mr. BUCHANAN

On a point of Order. Is it not customary before an hon. Member makes an attack on another hon. Member that he should give notice to that other hon. Member?

Mr. CLARRY

There is no attack.

Mr. BUCHANAN

That is the rule about us. Of course, they are gentlemen.

Mr. SPEAKER

That is one of the reasons why I interfered with the Supplementary Question.