§ 31. Mr. PENNYasked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the comment made by the magistrates at the Western Police Court, Glasgow, that the majority of the 131 men, whose ages ranged from 16 to 65, who were tried and convicted of gambling were receiving unemployment pay; and what action he intends to take to see that in the case of married men the unemployment benefit is paid to their wives and children?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI have seen a Press report of this case, and have caused inquiries to be instituted, so far as the payment of unemployment benefit is concerned. As regards the second part of the question, I have no authority 397 to pay benefit to any person other than the insured contributor or his duly authorised deputy.
§ Mr. PENNYIn fairness to the British taxpayer, will the right hon. Gentleman consider withdrawing, or at least reducing, the amount of unemployment benefit paid to unmarried men who are convicted of gambling while in receipt of unemployment benefit?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDIt would mean legislation. I have yet to ascertain exactly what number of these 131 persons who were convicted of being gamblers were in receipt of unemployment benefit.
§ Mr. PENNYIf the right hon. Gentleman does find out that the facts as stated are correct, will he endeavour to introduce legislation?
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYHas not the attitude of the Government changed towards this form of amusement since the introduction of the Betting Tax?