HC Deb 12 May 1932 vol 265 cc2053-4
6. Lieut.-Colonel MOORE

asked the Minister of Labour if he can now state the decision of his Department with regard to the unemployment benefit of coal trimmers working short time?

Mr. TINKER

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of these questions dealing with figures would not be put down for oral answer if hon. Members were certain that they would get their written reply at the same time as oral replies were received?

Mr. BETTERTON

The hon. Gentleman has raised a point of real substance. As he knows, we are entitled in respect of all answers to 48 hours notice, and I undertake to do my utmost to ensure that answers to written questions shall be given within the same period of time as they would if they were put down on the Paper as oral questions. By that means I hope to save a considerable amount of time.

Following are the statements:

Sir H. BETTERTON

Claims for unemployment benefit are decided not by me but by the independent statutory authorities. A number of claims by coal trimmers have come before the Umpire, who is the final authority, and I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of his decisions.

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