11. Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALLasked the Minister of Labour for what periods in all John Tyler and Alfred Esqulant, who were recently sentenced to six months' hard labour at Old Street, have received unemployment pay?
§ Miss BONDFIELDAccording to the records of the Department, Alfred Esqulant has not received any unemployment benefit since 1925, and John Tyler has not received unemployment benefit at any time.
Sir F. HALLWill these men, after serving their term, receive unemploy- 2190 ment benefit without having to prove that they have been endeavouring to obtain honest work? [Interruption.] May I ask for an answer?
§ Miss BONDFIELDIf that be a serious question—[Interruption]—the terms for the receipt of unemployment benefit are perfectly clearly laid down in the Statute.
§ Mr. W. THORNEDid the hon. and gallant Member make inquiries about these men before he put down the question?