HC Deb 16 July 1931 vol 255 cc743-4
13. Mr. DAVID HARDIE

asked the Minister of Labour if she is aware that Employment Exchange managers at present find work for unemployed men who are in receipt of disability pensions, in addition to drawing unemployment benefit, to the exclusion of the pensionless unemployed man whose only income is the amount of his unemployment benefit; and if she will issue instructions for this practice to cease and preference to be given in all cases to unemployed men who have no other income?

Miss BONDFIELD

It has been the policy of successive Governments ever since an early period of the War to make special efforts to find employment for disabled ex-Service men, particularly those suffering from severe disabilities who are nevertheless capable of undertaking some employment. I am not prepared to depart from this policy.

Mr. HARDIE

Is the right hon. Lady aware that in many cases these men have suffered a reduction of income from 6s. to 10s. a week?

Miss BONDFIELD

I should require notice of that question.

10. Sir ARTHUR STEEL-MAITLAND

asked the Minister of Labour the estimated number of disabled ex-service men and the number who are in employment?

Miss BONDFIELD

I understand from my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions, that the number of disabled ex-service men at present in receipt of Great War pensions in Great Britain is approximately 400,000. The number known to be disabled ex-service men who were registered as unemployed on 1st June, 1931, was 41,420. It is not possible to give a figure for those in employment.

11. Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMS

(for Sir BASIL PETO)asked the Minister of Labour whether she is aware that men who served throughout the War, and have since the War been in the employment of the Imperial War Graves Commission, are refused unemployment benefit when returning to this country if unable to find employment; and whether she proposes to take any steps to remedy this?

Miss BONDFIELD

I understand from the hon. Member that he has a particular case in mind. I am making inquiries regarding it, and will let him know the result.