HC Deb 21 July 1926 vol 198 cc1204-5
19. Colonel DAY

asked the Minister of Labour upon what grounds extended benefit, under the Unemployment Insurance Act, was refused Mr. D. Potts, of 7, Uxbridge Street, Southwark, S.E.I?

The MINISTER of LABOUR (Sir Arthur Steel-Maitland)

This claim was disallowed by the committee on the ground that the claimant could not show a reasonable period of insurable work in the preceding two years.

Colonel DAY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this claimant received a letter stating it was, in the Minister's opinion, not expedient to authorise this benefit, and can the right hon. Gentleman give the grounds for that statement?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I cannot state that at this time, because if I remember aright, this disallowance took place in the autumn of last year, and after this length of time I am afraid I cannot give the precise reasons. After a period of six months the claimant has a right to have his claim examined again, and I understand the Department are arranging for it to be referred to the committee.

Colonel DAY

Will the right hon. Gentleman state why this claimant was advised to attend regularly at the local Employment Exchange, in view of the fact that the claim was disallowed, and there was no work there for him?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I do not accept that statement for a moment. The claim was disallowed, as far as my information goes, in September last year, and a six months' period is generally asked for in cases of this kind, and when it has expired the matter can again he gone into by the committee.

Colonel DAY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have here a letter from the Ministry of Labour, dated the 24th September, in which the claimant is advised to continue to attend at the local Employment Exchange in order to obtain employment?

21. Colonel DAY

asked the Minister of Labour if he will cause the claim for unemployment insurance benefit made by Mr. H. Margery, a single man, of 44, Peacock Street, Southwark, S.E., at the Borough Exchange, to be reviewed on the grounds that the official notice (pink form) which he has received disallows benefit on stated reasons, which reasons can only apply under existing Regulations to married women whose husbands are in employment, or to married men whose wives are in employment?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I am sorry if a slip has been made in the ground of disallowance notified, but the disallowance must stand, the ground being that Mr. Margery is a single young man living with his family, who are in a position to support him.