§ 8. Mr. James Griffithsasked the Minister of Labour upon what grounds the holiday gift made by the employers to the employés in the tinplate trade in West Wales was utilised during this year to deprive the workpeople concerned of unemployment benefit, whereas such gifts were not so used in previous years?
§ Mr. E. BrownI will send the hon. Member copies of two umpire's decisions dealing with the summer holiday in the Welsh tinplate trade. In these decisions the umpire gives his grounds for disallowing benefit.
§ 9. Mr. J. Griffithsasked the Minister of Labour the number of workpeople whose unemployment benefit or allowance was affected by payment for holidays during this year; and the aggregate sum saved for the fund by utilising the holiday payment to deprive workpeople of benefit or allowance?
§ Mr. BrownUnemployment benefit is not payable for recognised or customary holidays whether paid or unpaid. I regret that information is not available as to the extent to which such holidays were paid holidays.
§ Mr. GriffithsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a substantial number of men have lost a good deal, and that it is causing wide discontent? Will he not further consider the matter?
§ Mr. BrownThere is at the present moment a comprehensive report on the subject under the consideration of the Government.
§ Mr. LawsonWill the right hon. Gentleman have copies of the report available for hon. Members?