§ 7. Mr. HENDERSON STEWARTasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the regulations of his Department, paragraphs 189 and 190, L.O. Code 7, provide that if the wife of an unemployed man advertises for summer lodgers she is automatically disallowed benefit whether in fact she has succeeded in obtaining lodgers or not; and whether, in view of the hardship caused by this rule, be will consider amending the regulations so that where it is proved that no lodgers were kept the wife's allowance will be restored?
Mr. STANLEYThe effect of these paragraphs is not correctly given in the question. Cases of the kind described are not automatically disallowed, but are referred to the insurance officer for his decision whether they are to be allowed or are to be referred to a court of referees. The ultimate decision depends, not on regulations, but on the provisions of the Acts themselves. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of a leading decision of the Umpire bearing on the matter.
§ Mr. STEWARTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the official to whom he refers in one particular town acts upon decision of the Umpire and upon that decision has disallowed benefit in this particular case, although in fact no lodgers have been taken by the woman?
Mr. STANLEYI cannot answer without particulars of the individual case, but a claim can only be disallowed by the court of referees.