Sir F. HALL(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to a case heard recently at the Mansfield County Court in which a colliery company were compelled to dismiss a man named Cecil Holland, of Skegby, who had lost a hand in their employ, because a trade union threatened to take steps to ruin the pit if he were not got rid of; and if he will state whether a man who loses his employment in circumstances of this kind receives unemployment benefit so long as he is unable to find other work.
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Betterton)I had not previously had my attention called to this ease. The decision as to the receipt of unemployment benefit would rest. with the insurance officer, subject to the usual rights of appeal, and all the circumstances would be taken into account. If my hon. and gallant friend so desires, I will ascertain whether a claim to benefit has been made and with what result.
Mr. BECKETTIf this man lost his hand in the service of the colliery company, ought not they to keep him?
Sir F. HALLI would like to ask, following the answer of the hon. Gentleman, whether this is supposed to be what trade unionism stands for—that a man shall not be allowed to work for his living?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a matter of opinion.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSArising out of the answer given to the original question, in which certain accusations are made, will the hon. Gentleman be good enough to say whether or not the statements made in the original question are true or not?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI have already said that I have only just had my attention called to the case, and I really know nothing more about it.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSAre we to take it from the statement of the hon. Gentleman that he is riot sure whether those statements are correct or incorrect?
Sir F. HALLMay I press my hon. Friend further? Are we to understand that trade unionism stands for this—that it shall be ruination to those who dare to—
§ Mr. SPEAKERMr. Clynes.
§ Mr. CLYNESMay I ask whether the hon. Gentleman has not knowledge of innumerable cases in which employers have dismissed injured workmen because of lack of capacity?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI could not answer that question without reference to particular cases, and I have not got particular cases before me.
Sir F. HALLWill the hon. Gentleman publish the reply to this question when he has got the information?