HC Deb 19 June 1935 vol 303 cc360-1
66. Mr. McGOVERN

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the total number of persons who have been deprived of benefit by the Anomalies Act, 1931, since it became law, up to the latest date?

Mr. E. BROWN

Between 13th October, 1931, and 31st May, 1935, 379,776 claims were disallowed under the anomalies regulations by courts of referees in Great Britain. This figure relates to the total number of claims disallowed; statistics are not available as to the number of separate individuals concerned.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Were the regulations referred to in that reply regulations which were passed by the National Government?

Mr. BROWN

The hon. Member had better put that question on Paper.

Mr. WILLIAMS

May we not secure from the Minister a reply which he actually knows without having any notice given—whether the regulations referred to in that reply are the regulations passed by the National Government?

Mr. BROWN

The Anomalies Act was passed by the Labour Government.

Mr. BUCHANAN

These people have been disallowed under the Act without Parliament being consulted, and have any steps been taken to see that they are granted any kind of benefit at all?

Mr. BROWN

The hon. Member knows that the seasonal workers' case is under consideration by the Unemployment Insurance Statutory Committee.

Captain BALFOUR

How many of these people are seasonal workers?

Mr. BROWN

83,863.

Mr. CURRY

Can the Minister state roughly the main causes of these disallowances?

Mr. SPEAKER

We cannot debate the matter now.