§ Mr. LUNN (by Private Notice)asked the Minister of Labour whether the six days' waiting period for unemployment pay can be waived in the case of miners who have been off work 30 weeks and who have signed on for work, but, for various reasons outside their control, cannot get back?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Betterton)The answer is in the negative. I have no power to waive the statutory requirement of a waiting period.
§ Mr. LUNNThe answer is hardly in the spirit of goodwill, but I should like to ask the hon. Gentleman if he is aware that in some districts the men were ordered back to work before an agreement was officially signed and in some others not until after an agreement was officially signed. At what period would the Department consider that the lock-out was officially terminated?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI do not at all dispute the hon. Member's premises. The answer to his question does not rest, with the Minister of Labour, but with the statutory authorities, first of all the insurance officer and ultimately the Umpire, and the Minister of Labour has no power to give any decision or even to offer an opinion on the matter.
§ Mr. MARDY JONESDoes the hon. Gentleman realise the grave situation in which these men are placed?