26. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed receiving standard benefit and the number receiving extended benefit at the present time, and the corresponding figures for a year ago?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDStatistics giving the numbers of persons receiving standard benefit and extended benefit respectively are not regularly compiled. A special inquiry made in March, 1926, showed that at that date 54 per cent. of the claims on which unemployment benefit was payable, were authorised for standard benefit and 46 per cent. for extended benefit. No further inquiry on this subject has since been made.
§ Mr. HARDIEDoes the right hon. Gentleman include in the figures those cases where a man may have 30 stamps and may have been in work for 24 months, and yet may be denied benefit?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI am not quite certain what the hon. Member means. Standard benefit would be given in those cases in which the benefit paid had been covered by the contributions already made.
§ Mr. HARDIEIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there are cases where no benefit has been paid, although over 30 stamps are shown? I got such a case this morning where a man has been cut off from the Exchange.
Sir A. STEELMAITLANDIf the hon. Member will give me particulars of any case of that kind, I will consider it, and communicate with him.
§ Mr. CONNOLLYIs it not the case that a man may have 38 stamps but if there are not 12 continuous weeks, he may get no benefit? Is not that the regulation?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDIf the hon. Member puts down a question of this kind on the Paper, I will consider it.
§ Mr. CONNOLLYI would like to ask now if that is not the case under the regulations? I can furnish at least one instance where 38 stamps have been shown and benefit has been disallowed.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat does not arise out of the question.