§ 28. Mr. BATEYasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that in the county of Durham many miners will cease to draw unemployment benefit on 19th April, 1929, under the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1927; and whether, in view of the distress now existing, he will take the necessary steps to make it possible that unemployment benefit will continue after 19th April, 1929?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI regret that I cannot add anything to the replies given to hon. Members on this subject on 23rd January and 20th February. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of these replies.
§ Mr. BATEYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that he has said, on more than one occasion, that he is considering the matter? Are we to take it that he has definitely made up his mind that the transitory period must stop on the 19th April.
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDNo, Sit. That is not the inference that necessarily or probably follows. I am doing what I promised. I am considering the matter, and making inquiries.
§ Mr. BATEYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a period of only six weeks to run before the transitory period ends, and that it will affect thousands of men? Ought he not to make up his mind?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDInformation is coming in, but, as the hon. Member realises, it is a somewhat difficult inquiry. It needs a great deal of adjustment by the local Exchanges. Perfectly obviously, it is a matter that will take some weeks before I can get replies. I hope to be able to give the House the information before we rise for Easter.
§ Mr. BARKERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this question is causing the utmost concern among the workers of this country and that last night a deputation came to me—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe question refers to the county of Durham.