67. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Minister of Labour whether he has received any representations from local rota committees as to the hardships involved in the administration of the recent Regulations governing the issue of extended benefit; and can he see his way to modify the same?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI have received a number of such representations, and they are dealt with on their merits. The rules are substantially the same as those which were in force for a considerable period prior to February, 1924, and I cannot hold out expectations of modifying them in any material respect.
Mr. THOMSONIn view of the representations which the right hon. Gentleman has received from various local committees, will he consider the desirability of holding an inquiry into the working of these new Regulations, so that he may be seized of the effect they have on the unemployed and also on the rates?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI am always seizing myself of these matters.
§ Mr. TAYLORIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that relief work organised by local authorities has been held by his Department to be not a qualifying period of employment under the Act?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI did not quite catch what the hon. Member said.
§ Mr. TAYLORWhat I asked the right hon. Gentleman was whether he was aware that relief work organised by local 379 committees was being held to be not a qualifying period of employment for the purpose of receiving extended benefit; and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a promise was made by his Department three weeks ago to revise the existing Regulations?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI will certainly go into that, but I think a question of this kind ought to be put on the Paper, because it does not strictly arise out of the. question.