§ 8. Mr. McSHANEasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that an unemployed man who seeks a situation in one of His Majesty's Dominions rather than remain unemployed in Britiain thereby ceases to be regarded as insured, she is prepared to introduce legislation to remedy this position?
§ Miss BONDFIELDI am not sure whether my hon. Friend is referring to the position of such a man in this country or in the Dominions. As regards this country, I should point out that he would not necessarily be ineligible for unemployment benefit. Whilst abroad he pays no unemployment insurance contributions, but if, when he returns to this country, he no longer satisfies the full contribution qualification, he may nevertheless qualify for benefit if he can show that he fulfils the lower contribution qualification and other conditions for transitional benefit. If, however, my hon. Friend means to suggest that legislation should be introduced entitling a man to draw benefit in the Dominions, I am afraid I cannot undertake this.
§ Mr. McSHANEIs it not a fact that the man, who sooner that remain unemployed here, goes abroad, say to the Dominions, for any length of time and finds himself out of work there, and returns, is, by his virtue, penalised on returning and not able to get unemployment benefit; and will she assure the House that such a case will be dealt with under the Anomalies Bill?
§ Miss BONDFIELDI can give no such undertaking.
§ Mr. BROCKWAYIs the right hon. Lady aware of the very large number of such cases, and, if any Rill is to be introduced dealing with anomalies, surely anomalies of this character ought to be included in such a Bill?