§ 27. Mr. BARKERasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that John Henry Jordan, of 18, Gray Street, Abertillery, has been refused unemployment benefit on the alleged ground that during the two years preceding the date of claim the claimant has not been employed in insurable employment to a reasonable extent; that Jordan is an ex-service man; that he is suffering from disability in consequence of war service; that he has 11 contributions to his credit; and will he have the case investigated with a view to benefit being allowed?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDMr. Jordan's claim was disallowed by the Court of Referees, on appeal, on 18th October. I have no power to intervene.
§ Mr. BARKERWill the right hon. Gentleman abolish this contribution condition for disabled ex-service men as they are at a great disadvantage owing to their disabilities?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDNo, Sir. I have no power to do so without a fresh Act of Parliament.
§ Mr. MARDY JONESAs this man has no association to act on his behalf before the Umpire, will the right hon. Gentleman object to a Member of this House taking up the man's case before the Umpire?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDIt is not within my power to elect any Member of this House into an association.
§ Mr. MARDY JONESIs it not the duty of every Member of this House to protect unemployed persons, and, if an association is not available to protect a man's rights, why cannot a Member of this House do so?