§ 1. Mr. MANDERasked the Minister of Labour if she is aware that unemployed men entering on a period of three weeks' training as conductors with the Wolverhampton Transport Department, with no remuneration or assurance of employment after training, have been deprived of unemployment benefit; and what action she proposes to take to avoid this result by altering the system of training?
§ The MINISTER OF LABOUR (Miss Bondfield)During this year, the claim for benefit of one applicant has been disallowed by the court of referees and the Umpire for the period of training as a conductor with the Tramways Department of the, Wolverhampton Corporation. Another case is at present before the Umpire. I have no power to alter the training arrangements which are under the Corporation, not under the Department.
§ Mr. MANDERDoes not the right hon. Lady think it very unfair that a man should be deprived of unemployment benefit in those circumstances?
§ Miss BONDFIELDThe unfairness to me seems to be in offering training to men if there are not situations available for them.
§ Captain Sir WILLIAM BRASSIs the right hon. Lady not aware that it is a common practice for people who are undergoing training to be paid unemployment benefit?
§ Miss BONDFIELDYes.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODOught not the answer that has been given by the Minister to be conveyed to the court of referees?