HC Deb 09 March 1931 vol 249 c810
78. Mr. MILLS

asked the Minister of Labour if she is aware that girls under the age of 18 years, who are attending evening classes as a condition of receiving the 5s. benefit to unemployed young persons, are being compelled to buy material for hats, frocks and other articles out of that amount; and if she will inquire into the matter with a view to relieving the parents of such young persons of this burden?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Lawson)

My right hon. Friend has made inquiry into a case of this kind which my hon. Friend brought to her notice. In that case fee-paying students were required to supply certain materials and owing to a misunderstanding this was applied to girls attending as a condition for the receipt of benefit. This was stopped as soon as attention was drawn to it.