§ 70. Miss WILKINSONasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that certain persons who were concerned in the cooperative strike about two years ago have been refused benefit by the Wallsend and Bishop Auckland Employment, Exchanges on the ground that they are not genuinely seeking work; and whether, in view of the fact that the trade union concerned has, in addition to their own efforts, been making strenuous attempts for several months to find them work, he will inquire into the case?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThe claims referred to in the question were, in accordance with the usual procedure, submitted to the local employment committee for their recommendation. In view of the fact that in practically every case the workpeople concerned had had no employment, since 1921 and had not even registered for employment at the Employment Exchange from 1021 until claims to benefit were lodged in November, 1924, the committee had no alternative but to recommend disallowance of the claims. I see no ground for differing from the committee.
§ Miss WILKINSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that between 1921 and 1923 these workers were kept off the insurance funds by their union and as a matter of fact the Unemployment Fund was thereby saved expense for two years, and in view of that circumstance will he bring the facts to the notice of the local committee?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDIf the hon. Member will supply me with any information in as much detail as possible I will gladly look into it with any additional facts that may be brought forward.
§ 71. Miss WILKINSONasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that five women have had their benefit stopped by the Employment Exchange at Wallsend for refusing to take a nursing 431 position at a mental hospital in York; and whether, in view of the fact that two of these girls have recently been in and that two others have to help to support others, which would not be possible on the wage offered, he will inquire into these cases?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI am making inquiry regarding these cases, and will communicate the result to the hon. Member.
§ Miss WILKINSONCan the right hon. Gentleman issue some kind of order which would prevent girls being refused benefit because they refuse to take work so far away from their homes, when there are already women unemployed in the town in which the posts are offered
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThe general practice is to try to take into account all personal considerations such as the distance that it is reasonably possible to ask people to go in order to take up work. It is extraordinarily difficult to lay down a general rule, but the instructions are to take those things into account as far as possible.