§ 31. Mr. SHORTasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that Samuel Payton, residing at 1, Old Cross Street, Tipton, having had his unemployment benefit disallowed by the Tipton Employment Exchange, applied to the Dudley Board of Guardians for relief; that the board offered him a ticket to go into the workhouse; that Payton is an ex-service man with a wife and two children dependent upon him: and whether he will inquire into this case?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINMy attention has not been called to this case; but, as the hon. Member is aware, the grant of out-door relief in individual cases is a matter for the discretion of the board of guardians after full consideration of the circumstances of the particular case.
§ 58. Mr. LANSBURYasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Norwich Employment Exchange has refused further unemployed pay to Mr. C. G. Chead, on the around that ho is an organiser for the unemployed; and whether instructions have been given to Employment Exchanges to refuse unemployment benefit to those who take part in organising the unemployed?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI am having inquiries made regarding this case, as described in the hon. Member's question and in a letter received this morning which he has been good enough to send me. I will inform the hon. Member of the result.
§ Colonel DAYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that a similar case has just happened in Southwark, where a man who was taken off the unemployment register there applied to the guardians for relief and was refused, and, as his children were crying for food, he committed suicide this week, and is being buried only to-day?
§ Mr. BETTERTONNo, Sir. I am not aware of that case, nor do I think it arises on this question.
§ Colonel DAYWill the hon. Gentleman make inquiries?
§ Mr. BETTERTONIf the hon. and gallant Member will either write to me or put down a question, I will, of course, inquire into it.