HC Deb 05 July 1928 vol 219 c1576
64. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

asked the Ministry of Labour how many miners have exhausted their claim to unemployment benefit?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Betterton)

I regret that statistics giving the information desired are not available.

Mr. BATEY

Would it not be possible for the Minister to get the figures?

Mr. BETTERTON

No, Sir, I think not. As the hon. Member knows, the old rule of I in 6 is now abolished, and the only contribution qualification at present in force is that requiring eight contributions in two years or 30 within any time. The numbers of those affected we have not got.

Mr. MARDY JONES

Why is it that the hon. Member cannot supply this information?

Mr. BETTERTON

We cannot supply it because we have not got it.

Mr. JONES

Are we to take it that the reason why the hon. Gentleman cannot supply this information is because of the incompetence of his Department?