§ 26. Mr. McKEAGasked the Minister of Labour on what grounds the 1,100 miners of Elemore Colliery, in the county of Durham, who recently received notices terminating their employment owing to trade depression, were refused unemployment benefit by the insurance officer?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Sir Henry Betterton)The insurance officer decided that certain workmen at the Elemore Colliery had lost employment by reason of a stoppage of work due to a trade dispute, and that they were therefore disqualified for receiving benefit. The workmen have lodged an appeal to the court of referees from this decision.
§ Mr. McKEAGCan the right hon. Gentleman state whether there was the slightest question of disagreement or dispute at the time the men were given notice?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONIt would be very improper for me to state anything, because the matter is going to the court of referees, and it may go from there to the umpire.