§ 40. Mr. TINKERasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that miners from the Ashton-in-Makerfield and St. Helens district are being struck off unemployment benefit because they refuse to accept employment at Wrexham, which is some 40 miles away; and if he will see that they are not refused benefit on this account, especially as they are refused employment in the district where they live because they are over 39 years of age?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI am informed that men registered at the Ashton-in-Makerfield Exchange have had claims for benefit disallowed owing to the refusal of what the statutory authorities regarded as suitable employment at Wrexham. I cannot find that any men registered at the St. Helens Exchange were disqualified on similar grounds in respect of the Wrexham vacancies. As regards the last part of the question, I am afraid that incorrect information was given to the hon. Member locally as the result of a misunderstanding of a telephone message. Men up to the age of 54 have recently been taken on for colliery work in the district.
§ Mr. TINKERHas the right hon. Gentleman any power to deal with employers who fix an age limit so much below the pensionable age?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDNo, Sir.
§ Mr. TINKERIf the Minister has no power to do that, can he not give an instruction to the court of referees that they should take such a circumstance into consideration when dealing with a case?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDNo, Sir, I have no power to give instructions to courts of referees; but, if any considerations of this sort are brought to their notice, I think that as reasonable men, who have the responsibility of judging these cases, they would take them into account.
§ Mr. PALINGIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in some of the cases in which it has been said that mines are wanting men and cannot get them they are refusing to set men to work if they are over 40 years of age, and that is the reason why they cannot get skilled labour?
§ Mr. BROADThough the right hon. Gentleman says he has no power to give instructions to the court of referees, is it not a fact that his insurance officer remains in the court of referees to advise and instruct them after the applicant has withdrawn?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThe chief insurance officer, whose deputy the local insurance officers are, is part of the system of the statutory courts. I have no right to interfere with the decision of the chief insurance officer or with the court of referees.
§ Mr. PALINGrose—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat seems to be a question of law.
§ Mr. BUCHANANOn a point of Order. Is it not possible for you to have a course of instruction for Ministers, so that we may get proper answers to our questions?
§ Mr. TINKERI want the right hon. Gentleman to meet me about the statement I have made, in order to clear up a point. Can I see him?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDindicated assent.
44. Mr. MALONEasked the Minister of Labour what percentage of 78 day review cases considered by the courts of referees have been disallowed benefit during each of the past two quarters?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThe proportion of 78 day review cases recommended for disallowance by courts of referees was 4.5 per cent. in the three months ended 8th October, 1928, and per cent. in the three months ended 14th January, 1929.