12. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Minister of Labour the total numbers disqualified to date from receiving unemployment benefit due to the operation of recent revised Regulations?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDAt 13th April the number of persons who had been disqualified for unemployment benefit, owing to the operation of the recent revised Regulations. was 11,219.
Mr. THOMSON:Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that a large number have had to seek relief from the rates, which have been thereby increased? What steps is he taking to prevent similar burdens being thrown on the rates in October if the present Act is not amended?
Sir A.STEEL-MAITLAND:That is a question of future legislation, which I do not think can be properly put as a supplementary question. All I would state in this case is, that. the amount thrown on the rates, as generally put to me, is often grossly exaggerated, no doubt quite unintentionally.