§ 4. Mr. DICKIEasked the Minister of Labour whether he has issued any instructions establishing uniformity in the treatment of professional footballers who may be without wages or other means of subsistence during the summer season?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONIt is not open to me to issue such instructions as the determination of claims to benefit is a matter for the statutory authorities. Certain cases affecting professional footballers are at present before the umpire for decision.
§ Mr. DICKIEMay I ask whether it is not possible to establish some degree of uniformity? Is it not possible to frame some regulations giving greater discretion to the local officials to deal with cases of genuine hardship due to accidents in the field?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONNo, Sir, I cannot issue such instructions. It is a matter for the statutory authorities, and uniformity will be provided by the decisions of the umpires.
§ Mr. NEIL MACLEANIs it not the case that the professional football player is paid during the season and receives a retaining wage during the off season, and that he is entitled to unemployment benefit if through any circum stances the club has to dispense with his services?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONI have looked at the papers and I gather that that is one of the questions now before the umpire.
§ Mr. KIRKW00DIf the hon. Member can place any cases of hardship before him, will the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to consider them on their merits?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONNo, Sir. All the relevant evidence should be placed before the court of referees and the umpire.