HC Deb 29 July 1937 vol 326 cc3278-9
10. Mr. Day

asked the Minister of Labour the number of prosecutions that have taken place during the three years ended to the last convenient date against employers for failing to stamp the unemployment insurance cards of their employés?

Mr. E. Brown

During the three years ending 31st December, 1936, convictions against employers for non-payment of unemployment insurance contributions were obtained in 4,672 cases.

Mr. Day

Have all the arrears been paid?

Mr. Brown

That, of course, is a separate question, which ought to be put down.

Mr. Day

Have any employés been penalised through employers failing to pay?

Mr. Brown

I am sure the hon. Member will understand that that is not a reasonable question to put to me. I have answered precisely the question on the Paper. If the hon. Member has any other points arising out of the facts disclosed in my answer, perhaps he will either communicate with me or put them on the Paper.

Mr. J. J. Davidson

In view of the hardship entailed on employés of such firms, has the Minister considered any scheme whereby those employés can receive their stamps?

Mr. Brown

I cannot answer a general question of that kind; it does not arise out of the question on the Paper.

Mr. Speaker

It is quite outside the question on the Paper.