HC Deb 11 June 1928 vol 218 cc622-3
35. Mr. KELLY

asked the Minister of Labour t le number of cases of disputed unemployment benefit referred to the umpire by the insurance officers of the Ministry of Labour?

Mr. BETTERTON

During the period 19th April, 1928 to 14th May, 1928, 148 disputed 3laims to unemployment benefit were referred to the umpire, including 73 referred by the insurance officer, 50 appeals by associations and 25 by applicants for benefit who were not members of associations.

Mr. BATEY

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether there is an increase or a decrease in the number of cases sent to the umpire under the new Unemployment Insurance Act?

Mr. BETTERTON

I could not say without notice.

Mr. OLIVER

Are the decisions of the umpire on disputed points sent to the local officials at the Employment Exchanges for their guidance in cases which may arise in the future?

Mr. BETTERTON

I think, though I am not quite sure, that previous decisions of the umpire are circulated; at any rate, they are very easily available.

Mr. OLIVER

Is it not most important that that should be done, since otherwise the time of the officials at the Exchanges may be taken up with cases similar to those which have been already decided?

Mr. STEPHEN

Is the decision of the Umpire on the question of not genuinely seeking employment sent to the Courts of Referees?

Mr. BETTERTON

Yes; my recollection is that all important decisions are published month by month in the "Ministry of Labour Gazette."

Mr. HARDIE

In dealing with this question, has not the Department yet arrived at a definition which will apply generally, as to what is meant by genuinely seeking work?

Mr. MACLEAN

Will the hon. Gentleman draw the attention of the various Exchange officials to the decision given by the Umpire two years ago on four points in connection with the question of not genuinely seeking employment?

Mr. BETTERTON

I have already said that all important decisions of the Umpire are circulated in the "Ministry of Labour Gazette," and, therefore, by that means, if by no other, are brought to the notice of the officials concerned.

Mr. STEPHEN rose

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Mr. SPEAKER

We have already had several supplementaries on this question.

Mr. STEPHEN

It is a very important point.