§ 63. Mr. SCRYMGEOURasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Mrs. Mary H. McCann, 16, Gardiner's Lane, Dundee, who worked steadily until July, 1925, as a cop-winder (screw) and was then placed on health insurance benefit, obtained a medical certificate, after a serious operation, stating that she was only fit for her own work, has now been refused unemployment benefit because she was obliged to decline employment at chain-winding; and whether he will see to this decision being rectified?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Betterton)The claim for benefit was decided by the statutory authorities, namely, the insurance officer and the Court of Referees. The Court made special enquiries into the case and the applicant appeared twice before them before they recommended disallowance of the claim. I have no power to intervene.
§ Mr. SCRYMGEOURIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the Referee Court on the 5th February adjourned the case to ascertain the difference between chain and screw winding; that the firm in question merely stated that both classes of work were available at their works; and, further, is he aware that request was made for a stated umpire case, but no answer was given?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI understand the position with regard to this case is that the Court of Referees were not satisfied that her own work was not available, namely, that of a cop-winder (screw).
§ Mr. SCRYMGEOURIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the employers said that both classes of work were available?
§ Mr. BETTERTONNo doubt all these questions were considered by the Court of Referees, and with their decision I have no power to intervene.