§ 10. Mr. Thorneasked the Minister of Labour why persons who signed on regularly were paid for Monday, 26th, and Tuesday, 27th December; and why a man who signed on at the Exchange for less than 12 days before the holiday was refused holiday payment?
§ Mr. E. BrownBenefit in respect of holidays is payable to claimants who have been finally discharged from their employment, but not to persons who have been temporarily suspended for a period of less than 12 consecutive days, exclusive of the holidays.
§ Mr. ThorneIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that that is the consequence of the very bad weather we had during the Christmas period and that thousands of people in the building trades are now deprived of employment?
§ Mr. BrownThat is a decision of the Umpire and I have no power whatever to interfere with it. I have a report given to me by the Unemploymnt Statutory Committee on the whole question of holidays, and it is proposed to introduce legislation shortly.
§ Mr. KirkwoodIs it not possible for the individuals concerned to appeal, even now?
§ Mr. BrownI assume that the cases referred to by the hon. Member are on all fours with the others. This is a decision of the umpire, under the law, and I have no power to intervene.