HC Deb 08 July 1925 vol 186 cc395-7
33. Mr. CECIL WILSON

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that H. Alldritt, of 187, Marylebone Road, N.W. 1, who was working regularly up to December, 1923, and who has since, largely owing to disabilities due to war service, been unable to obtain regular employment, attended a committee at Edgware Road. in May, and was granted 48 days' extension of un-covenanted benefit; that he was notified to attend a special committee on the 22nd June, consisting of one man only; that he was questioned as to his occupations since the War: that in reply he gave names of firms upon whom he had called in search of employment; that when asked whether he was willing to take work anywhere he expressed himself as willing to take any work for which his disabilities did not incapacitate him; that on the 23rd June he had to attend a further committee; that on the 26th June he was refused benefit: why this benefit was stopped without any communication or reason assigned; and will he inquire into the matter?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

To be entitled to extended benefit Mr. Alldritt must prove that he is making every reasonable effort to obtain employment. He was trained and is registered as a market gardener, but has limited his search for work to London since early this year. He stated to an interviewing officer, a few days ago, that he had not called on or written to any firms recently, nor looked regularly at lists of vacant jobs in newspapers or at the Employment Exchange. In these circumstances, notwithstanding the committee's recommendation, I am not satisfied that he fulfils the conditions laid down by the Act, and I cannot therefore allow benefit.

Mr. C. WILSON

Why has not communication been made to him?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I will see that communication is made to him at the earliest moment.

Mr. MACLEAN

May we take it that the conditions imposed upon this man are the conditions that will be imposed upon every other man, namely, that of calling for work or writing for work?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

They are the fulfilment of the normal statutory conditions.

Mr. MACLEAN

Why does not the right hon. Gentleman accept documents from these men where they can prove that they have been calling or writing?