HC Deb 26 November 1928 vol 223 c34
56. Sir H. BRITTAIN

asked the Minister of Labour whether unemployment insurance regulations permit Sunday labour without interfering with the qualification to draw benefit?

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

Sunday work does not in general affect the title to benefit. In the case of persons following a subsidiary occupation, however, Sunday earnings may be taken into account for the purpose of ascertaining the average daily earnings.

59. Mr. KELLY

asked the Minister of Labour whether any instructions have been given to his officers at the Employment Exchanges or chairmen of Courts of Referees that applicants for benefit must carry a book or diary for the purpose of entering the date of each call at a works or factory where they have made application for employment?

Mr. BETTERTON

No, Sir.

Mr. KELLY

Will the hon. Gentleman make inquiries of the chairmen of Courts of Referees as to whether they are giving such a direction or order to people who appear before them, and will he take into account any case that I send to him?

Mr. BETTERTON

I will certainly take into account any case that the hon. Member may send to me, on this or any other matter, but obviously we cannot lay down rules for the procedure of independent courts.

Mr. KELLY

Is it the intention of the Department to make use of the Exchanges for the purpose of offering employment to these people, instead of sending them round from gate to gate?

Mr. BETTERTON

Certainly.