HC Deb 01 April 1925 vol 182 cc1297-9
50. Mr. GRIFFITHS

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can supply the figures for unemployment in America during the years 1919, 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923, and 1924, respectively?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

There are no official statistics of unemployment for the United States. The United States Federal Bureau of Labour Statistics have, however, recently published a table of index numbers showing the fluctuations in the volume of employment in the manufacturing industries of the United States in each of the years to which the hon. Member refers. I am circulating this table in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The table is as follows:

decision. If benefit is disallowed the claimant may appeal to a court of referees, who inquire fully into each case brought before them. I am satisfied that this procedure adequately safeguards the interests of the claimant.

Mr. BUCHANAN

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman for a reply to my question? Is he prepared to take any action against an employer who makes a false statement? If such a false statement is made to the Ministry of Labour, a man's benefit is stopped or delayed until inquiry has been made. I ask the right hon. Gentleman, is he prepared to take action against such employers in a similar way as he takes action against a workman for a false statement?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I am not aware that it is in my power to take action on a false statement of that kind. I will consider the matter further and speak to the hon. Gentleman about it if he wishes. On the other hand, if a person makes a false statement in obtaining benefit he is obtaining money under false pretences. That is a different thing.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that while the claimant for benefit takes money from the State, an employer by making a false statement takes money from working people, and is it a greater crime to rob the State than to rob working people?

Mr. WOMERSLEY

Is my right hon. Friend also aware that the majority of these false statements made by employers are in favour of the man who is going to draw his insurance benefit?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I am not concerned with that. It is always open to the man himself in that case to take action as far as I know.

Mr. BUCHANAN

May I pursue this matter? Information of a false statement is very seldom shown to the man under the employer's signature, and, therefore, until he has received that he can take no further action.

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

If the hon. Gentleman will refer to me cases I will gladly consider them or discuss them with him. I can assure him that all I want is to see that fair treatment is meted out to all.

Mr. BUCHANAN

I beg to give notice, that at the first opportunity I intend to raise this question on the Adjournment.

Mr. MACLEAN

Arising out of this question. [Interruption.] This is an important statement, and—

Mr. SPEAKER

Notice has been given that there will be an opportunity to raise the matter.