HC Deb 28 March 1928 vol 215 cc1153-4
23. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that 150 men and boys were suspended from work by the Tilmanstone Colliery, Kent, four weeks ago; that the men have been signing on at the local Employment Exchange for 20 days, but up to the present have received no unemployment pay; and why there is such delay in settling claims?

Mr. BETTERTON

Inquiries are being made and I will communicate the result to the hon. Member.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Will the hon. Gentleman invite the attention of the local Employment. Exchange to this case, because if the Motion of the hon. Member for Kennington (Mr. G. Harvey)— That this House asks the Government to give consideration to the question of

taking steps to restore some measure of disqualification of recipients of poor relief for voting at elections of boards of guardians"—

were carried, then in similar eases hundreds of men would be deprived of their votes through no fault of their own?

Mr. BETTERTON

I shall certainly do what I can to have the inquiry expedited as much as possible but I would remind the hon. Member that I only got the reference to this matter yesterday, and it would be unreasonable to ask me to give the result of the inquiries to-day.

Mr. MARDY JONES

Will the hon. Gentleman bring to the attention of these officers the arrangements made in other coalfields? They should have some knowledge of the arrangements made in every coalfield.

Mr. BETTERTON

As I have said, I will do what. I can to expedite the inquiries which I have already put in hand.