§ 3. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Labour whether he has reviewed the correspondence between his Department and the public assistance committee for Wellington, Salop, with 1638 respect to men who have been denied unemployment benefit and have had to seek poor relief; whether he is aware that some of these claims have been rejected on the ground that the men are seasonal workers in the beet factory, whereas the fact is that the men, who normally follow other occupations, have been compelled to take work in the beet factory during the season because they could not get employment elsewhere; and whether he will have inquiries made into these cases?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONThe question that has arisen in these cases, namely, whether the claimants are disqualified under the regulation relating to seasonal workers, is one which only the statutory authorities can decide. I understand that certain cases in which the claim has been disallowed by a court of referees are being referred to the umpire for final decision.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a large number of persons who have been unemployed for long periods are ready to accept work in factories in rural areas or elsewhere for two, three or even four years, and that the fact of having accepted temporary work has now lost them their benefit? Does the right hon. Gentleman think it worth while to re-examine the effect of the seasonal regulations in this matter?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONWith regard to the particular case to which the hon. Gentleman refers, it is before the umpire. With regard to the general question, I would refer him to the discussion the other night. In fact, the views of the Advisory Committee have been called for at an early date.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSWill the right hon. Gentleman then invite the Committee to consider the difficulty of the individual who is unable to appear in London before the umpire to submit his own case?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONI had not thought of that, and I will consider it.