§ 61. Mr. W. BAKERasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that standard benefit was refused to Mr. Clifford Hodge, of 4, Rodney Road, Kings-wood, Bristol; that on receipt of representations from the hon. Member for East Bristol (Mr. W. Baker) it was found that certain contributions had not been taken into account; and whether an apology has been officially tendered for this mistake?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Sir Arthur Steel-Maitland)Mr. Hodge applied for and obtained a new unemployment book in 1924 without disclosing that he had previously held books from 1915 to 1919. The stamps in the earlier books were consequently not brought into account till the fact that they belonged to Mr. Hodge became known owing to further information supplied through the hon. Member. In these circumstances I do not think there is any occasion for a Departmental apology.