§ 44. Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a man, describing himself as a painter, was recently fined at Welling-borough for being drunk and disorderly; that he stated that he was out of work, but received unemployment benefit of 33s. a week in addition to a benefit of 19s.; whether there is any lack of work for painters in this district; and, if there is work, why this man continues to receive unemployment benefit?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThe case referred to is apparently that of a disabled ex-service man who was recently charged with being drunk and disorderly, and was bound over as it was a first offence. He has a good record of employment, but has recently been on benefit, 2215 in respect of contributions, for a considerable time. There appears to be no reason to suppose that he was not properly qualified. Opportunities of work for painters have not been very good owing to seasonal conditions, but the man has been submitted by the local Employment Exchange to three vacancies during the period of his claim to benefit, and has since obtained work by his own efforts.