§ 34. Mr. ERNEST BROWNasked the Minister of Labour how many unemployed persons have had their claims to benefit disallowed during September, October, November and December, 1926, and the first three months of 1927, on account of a lack of proportionate contributions?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI regret that figures are not available giving the information desired, if, as I assume, the hon. Member means by "lack of proportionate contributions" failure to satisfy the condition for standard benefit limiting such benefit to one week for every six contributions paid. Large numbers who fail to satisfy this condition are drawing extended benefit.
§ 35. Mr. E. BROWNasked the Minister of Labour whether his Department has
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI am circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table giving the desired figures.
§ Following is the Table:
§ made any inquiries in specific areas as to the position of insured persons disallowed unemployment benefit on the grounds that they have not had a reasonable period of employment in the preceding two years; and, if so, in what areas?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI am not clear what die hon. Member has in mind when he refers to the position of persons after benefit has been disallowed, but if he will communicate with me, I will do my best to furnish the information he desires.
§ Mr. BROWNI am obliged to the right hon. Gentleman, but may I ask him if any inquiries are made by the Ministry of Labour into the cases of men who fail to qualify, who are disallowed their benefit, and then apply to the parish 1613 councils, the boards of guardians and other bodies for relief, and whether the Ministry of Labour afterwards takes any responsibility for such cases?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDNo, Sir.