§ 14. Mr. DAYasked the Minister of Labour the number of claims for extended benefit that were granted, and the number of claims disallowed, for the last six months at the Walworth Road, Borough, Employment Exchange; and the principal reasons for the rejections of these claims?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Betterton)As the reply includes a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. BETTERTONThe hon. Gentleman had better look at the very elaborate statement I have prepared, from which it appears that the applications numbered 6,618, the applications allowed were 4,612, and the applications recommended for disallowance were 2,006.
§ Mr. DAYIs the increase in the rate of disallowed claims due to any special instruction issued by the Ministry?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI am not prepared to admit that there is an increase. That was not the question which the hon. Gentleman asked.
§ Following is the statement:
§ Applications for extended benefit considered by the Borough Employment Committee in the six months ended 12th March, 1928.
| Total. | |
| Applications considered | 6,618 |
| Applications allowed | 4,612 |
| Applications recommended for disallowance | 2,006 |
§ Grounds for Disallowance.
| Not normally insurable and not seeking to obtain a livelihood by means of insurable employment | 163 |
| Insurable employment not likely to be available | 106 |
| Not a reasonable period of insurable employment during the preceding two years | 810 |
| Not making every reasonable effort to obtain suitable employment or not willing to accept suitable employment | 611 |
| Single persons residing with relatives | 238 |
| Married women who could look for support from their husbands | 58 |
| Married men who could look for support from their wives | 1 |
| Working short time but earning sufficient for maintenance | 19 |
§ 26. Mr. BUCHANANasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the hardship now being caused to certain applicants for unemployment benefit who have been informed that they cannot receive the same as they are 65 years of age, although they are refused 1152 an old age pension on the grounds that they have not reached 65; and if he can allow any temporary payment to be made until the issue is decided?
§ Mr. BETTERTONArrangements are already in operation for the temporary continuation of unemployment benefit in cases of this kind. I am having inquiries made into the case of which the hon. Member has given me particulars.
§ Mr. BUCHANANAm I to understand that in a case where a dispute arises, and hardship is involved, a temporary payment will be made until the question is settled?
§ Mr. BETTERTONYes, Sir. That is the answer.