§ 31. Mr. STEPHENasked the Minister of Labour, with reference to a circular sent to the exchanges regarding the payment of standard and extended benefit, respectively, in the case of unemployed men who have returned to this country from one of the Dominions or America, whither they had gone in the hope of 420 finding employment, if he will say if there is any difference in the conditions governing payment in the case of standard and extended benefit in such cases?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDAn insured contributor is not disqualified for standard benefit on account of previous absence abroad if in addition to having a credit of contributions he can satisfy the usual statutory requirement of having paid at least 20 contributions since the beginning of the last preceding insurance year. The special rule applying to extended benefit is explained in a reply given to the hon. Member for Dundee on 4th March, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.
§ Mr. STEPHENHas there been a special circular sent out to the Committees dealing with these cases?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDYes, Sir; there has been a circular with respect to extended benefit so far as I—but, perhaps I had better verify it—to the best of my recollection, a circular has been sent out, or suggestions made, in repard to extended benefit in relation to those who have returned from abroad. That class of case has never yet been settled, and some general rule seemed to be necessary for the guidance of the Committees.
§ Mr. STEPHENWould the right hon. Gentleman see that a copy of the circular, or instructions, is placed in the Library?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI shall be very glad to do so, and to send the hon. Gentleman a copy.
§ Mr. HARDIECould a copy be sent to each member of the local Committees?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDNo, not to each member, because that would mean an incredibly large post; but the local Committees are made well aware of these documents, so that any member of a Committee may have a copy placed at his disposal.