BENEFIT.

HC Deb 13 February 1929 vol 225 cc394-6

28. Mr. BROAD

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has inquired into the cases of two fitters who were required by the manager of the Derby Employment Exchange to provide medical certificates as to the likelihood of their being able to pass the examination by the medical officer at the Ordnance Depot at Aldershot, where it was proposed to send them with a view to employment whether he is aware that the local doctors required 2s. 6d. and 3s. 6d. from these men, respectively, for such certificates; that having been out of work for some time they were not able to pay these fees, and so did not secure the certificates; and that thereupon their benefit was denied to them; and under what Clause in the Act his officers at Derby have taken this action?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

The failure of these men to obtain medical certificates was reported to the Insurance officer, who disallowed benefit. I understand the matter is being made the subject of appeal to the Court of Referees.

Mr. BROAD

Does not the right hon. Gentleman recognise his responsibility to this House for the action of his Department, and can be say under what authority this step was taken?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

The step was taken by the Insurance officer, and, while I do not set up to be a judge of the circumstance's so as to influence the decision, it seems to me to be perfectly reasonable. There were six men who, together with others, were applicants for certain posts that were offered at Aldershot. One condition of the application was that they should possess a medical certificate. To save them a possible journey for nothing, it was arranged that they should be examined by their own doctor in Derby. Before the question of appointment came up, four of the six applicants from Derby had obtained local employment through their own trade union secretary. The other two who were still on the applicant list had not obtained medical certificates. Therefore, for the moment, their benefit was suspended, and it is now subject to the decision of the Court of Referees.

Mr. BROAD

Can the right hon. Gentleman—

Mr. SPEAKER

Mr. Kirkwood.

Mr. BROAD

I want to put another supplementary question.

Mr. SPEAKER

We are getting on very with questions.

37. Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has received a resolution from a meeting of representatives of the county boroughs and boroughs of Burton-upon-Trent, Derby, Ilkeston, Leicester, and Mansfield, and the Leicester Board of Guardians and other local authorities, calling upon him to waive the clause, Not genuinely seeking work, in districts where unemployment is excessive, in view of the fact that disqualifications under this clause are throwing additional burdens upon the local board of guardians; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given last Thursday to the hon. Member for the North-Eastern Division of Derbyshire (Mr. Lee), of which I am sending him a copy.

Mr. PALING

In one of his replies, will the Minister of Labour give us a statement saying what "genuinely seeking work" means?

42. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the Minister of Labour why unemployed persons whose benefits have ceased owing to the operation of the 30-stamp qualification are receiving a special buff form on which Ineffective is written in red ink; and will he state whether such, forms are being issued by all Employment Exchanges?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

The instructions do not provide for such an entry on any form issued to claimants for benefit, and I should be obliged if the hon. Member would let me have further particulars.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that all men who have been disqualified from benefit on account of the 30-stamp qualification are receiving these forms, and will he ascertain why?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I am making the inquiries which are asked for. If the hon. Member knows of any particular case, perhaps he will give me the particulars.

Mr. BUCHANAN.

Is the Minister of Labour aware that a form has been issued to unemployed persons in which no reference is made to the 30-stamp qualification being waived, and will lie see that this form is substituted by one giving unemployed persons all the details?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

That does not arise out of the question. Perhaps the hon. Member will put a question down.