§ 78. Mr. Loganasked the Minister of Labour whether, in the view of his Department, a widow with children attending school fulfils the term "availability for employment" under the Unemployment Assistance Board scheme; and by what authority are these cases being transferred from public assistance committees to the Unemployment Assistance Board?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Butler)The question whether any person is within the scope of the Unemployment Assistance Scheme, including the question whether a person is capable of and available for work within the meaning of the Unemployment Assistance Act, 1934, is a matter for decision by the board's officer or, on appeal, by the Chairman of the Appeal Tribunal. The decision in cases of the kind to which the hon. Member refers must depend upon the individual circumstances of the applicant.
§ Mr. LoganIs the definition of the term "availability for employment" within the jurisdiction of the board; and if that be the case why is this injustice being done to widows by precluding them from getting relief and not allowing them to stay at home with their children? Is that the policy of the board?
§ Mr. ButlerThe board have to judge each individual case, but I should not like to say that an injustice has been caused.
§ Mr. LoganMay I ask the hon. Gentleman, as representing the Minister responsible for the board in this House, whether he agrees with this decision, and whether he gives advice to the board on questions of injustice such as are resulting from this decision?
§ Mr. ButlerI should have to see an individual case before I could tell what the injustice was.