HC Deb 01 June 1927 vol 207 cc368-9
26. Mr. BECKETT

asked the Minister of Labour how many applications he has received for a definition of the term, not genuinely seeking employment; and what reply he has given to any rota committee which has asked his advice?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

The hon. Member is no doubt referring to the term, "making every reasonable effort to obtain employment."

The question of the interpretation to be placed upon this term has been raised from time to time, and instructions on the matter have been issued for the guidance of local employment committees. I am arranging for a copy of these instructions to be sent to the hon. Member.

Mr. BECKETT

I put this question to the right hon. Gentleman a few weeks ago and he referred the House to the Blanesburgh Report for a definition. Is he aware that in the Blanesburgh Report the Commission complained that insured contributors cannot be expected to know their way about case law?

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the appendix to the Report a definition is given by the umpire, and will he take steps to see that that definition is issued as a guide to both courts of referees and local committees?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I will consider that point.

Mr. BECKETT

Are the instructions which the right hon. Gentleman proposes to circulate the decisions which the umpire has already made or instructions from the Minister himself?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

The instructions were the instructions that I sent out. The judgment was a judgment given by the umpire.

Mr. MOSLEY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many men have been refused benefit on the ground that they are not making a sufficient number of calls a day, and has he in the instructions said how many calls have to be made each day?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

No, Sir.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Will the right hon. Gentleman not treat the issuing of the umpire's decisions as an urgent matter?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I have said that I would consider the issue of the umpire's decision. I will gladly consider whether by issuing that or in any other way I can make things more clear.