HC Deb 28 July 1926 vol 198 cc2087-8
29. Mr. BARKER

asked the Minister of Labour if his attention has been called to the case of George Higgins, 16, Darran Road, Abertillery, Monmouthshire, employed as a banksman at Gray Colliery, Abertillery, who was unemployed from 28th June to 10th July, then worked six days, and was again unemployed; and, seeing that Higgins has claimed benefit in the ordinary way and his claim has been refused, will he state why he is refused unemployment benefit?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I am having inquiries made and will let the hon. Member know the result as soon as possible.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

How long is it likely to be before a reply to this question is available?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I cannot tell in any particular case, because there has to be correspondence to and fro, and it depends on how far there is any intricacy in a case, necessitating the passing of letters. All cases are dealt with as expeditiously as possible.

Mr. WILLIAMS

I put a similar question three weeks ago and no answer has yet been received.

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

If the hon. Member will give me his particular case, I will see that it is expedited, and I will communicate with him directly.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the practice generally followed by the Ministry of Pensions, that where a case takes any length of time the Member is informed that it is taking more than the ordinary length of time?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I will consider that suggestion.

Mr. BARKER

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a number of these cases have been within the ambit of this Department for three months?

30. Mr. BARKER

asked the. Minister of Labour if he is aware that Albert Way, 11, New Hall Street, Abertillery, was unemployed as a colliery banksman at Gray colliery, Abertillery (Mon.), from 10th July to 24th July; that he claimed unemployment benefit at the Abertillery Unemployment Exchange and was refused; and that Way has been unemployed one week out of every three weeks since 30th April and has been unable to get unemployment benefit; and will he state why this man is refused benefit?

Sir A. STEEL - MAITLAND

I am having inquiries made, and will let the hon. Member know the result as soon as possible. I am trying to get the cases expedited as much as I can. As a result of the strike and what occurred afterwards, the work has been abnormal.