§ 43. Lieut.-Colonel Sir MERVYN MANNINGHAM-BULLERasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that in some cases men are being disallowed benefit because they have refused a situation offered them at a weekly wage of 21s., plus commission, for 12 hours' work a day for seven days in the week; and whether it is the policy of his Department to treat such an offer as a suitable situation?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. R. S. Hudson)I am not aware of such cases, but, if my hon. and gallant Friend has particulars of any and will send them to me, I will cause inquiries to be made. The question whether employment is suitable is decided not by the Department but by the court of referees, subject to the usual rights of appeal to the umpire.
§ Mr. MAXTONIs it not the case that officials of the Ministry are definitely told off to act as touts for jobs under very inferior conditions indeed?
§ Mr. HUDSONNo, I do not think there is any justification for that allegation.
§ Mr. MAXTONIf I produce evidence of many cases of that description, will the hon. Gentleman see that it is stopped?
§ Mr. HUDSONI am always glad to look into any case that the hon. Member brings forward.