§ 16. Colonel GRETTONasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that soldiers returning to the Irish Free State on the termination of their service with the colours are still deprived of 232 90 days' unemployment benefit, notwithstanding his answer to a question on 16th December last; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this hardship?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Betterton)I have been asked to reply. The right to draw benefit in these cases, as in all other cases under the Unemployment Insurance Acts, is limited to persons resident in Great Britain or Northern Ireland. I have examined the point raised by my hon. and gallant Friend and regret that I see no practicable way of dealing with it.
§ Colonel GRETTONAs apparently this matter has been transferred from the War Office to the Ministry of Labour, may I ask if my hon. Friend is aware that many of the men affected are long service men who for years have paid 2d. per week for unemployment benefit?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI am not quite sure whether that is so or not. I will, however, in consultation with my hon. and gallant. Friend, consider whether there is any method which is both practicable and possible which will enable us to effect what he desires.