§ 21. Miss WILKINSONasked the Minister of Labour whether he can now state the grounds on which unemployment assistance benefit was refused to the Jarrow marchers, in view of the arrangements made to keep them in constant touch both with the Jarrow Employment Exchange and with prospective employers on the march?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADAs stated in reply to the hon. Member on 12th November, the board were unable to 1896 accept the applicants as available for work while they were participating in the march, and the determinations given by the board's officers on applications made when the marchers had returned home were based on that decision. The appeals against these determinations have now been heard by the Appeals Tribunal, which has confirmed them.
§ Miss WILKINSONWill the Minister consult with his right hon. Friend so that the Ministry of Labour can give some idea of the terms the Ministry desire in order that men can be regarded as being eligible for work? If every precaution is taken in order to keep men eligible for work, why is it that the Ministry of Labour says persistently that they are not eligible for work? The position is quite idiotic.
§ Lieut. - Colonel MUIRHEADTheir case was finally considered by the Appeal Tribunal, an independent body, and the decision already arrived at was upheld.
§ Miss WILKINSONThe Appeals Tribunal does not work in a vacuum. I ask whether the Ministry of Labour will issue some regulations as to what constitutes availability for work?