HC Deb 12 October 1939 vol 352 cc485-7
2. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that when Mr. H. Burnstone, of Otchard Place, Southampton, was recently sent to an Army rest camp from the Southampton Employment Exchange, he was offered employment at 52s. 6d. per week, whereas his possession of a Board of Trade ticket entitles him to the Maritime Board rate of £13 2s. 6d. per month; that, when he refused this offer, he was turned off benefit, although later this was reversed owing to the intervention of the man's trade union; and whether he will see that men are not penalised for refusing jobs in camps, and other military establishments, at rates less than their normal trade union rates?

Mr. E. Brown

If, as I presume, this worker's name is H. Bernstein, my information is that although he failed to start at this job after accepting it, his unemployment benefit was neither stopped nor suspended.

Mr. Gallacher

As complaint has been made by this man and similar complaints are being made by others, will the Minister take steps to ensure that this does not happen?

Mr. Brown

I do not accept that it has happened.

3. Mr. W. Whiteley

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider the hardships arising by the operation of the waiting days in the payment of unemployment benefit, having regard to the fact that many collieries are laid idle for one or two days due to shipping and transport difficulties?

Mr. Brown

The hon. Member will remember that I discussed this question recently with him and one of his colleagues, and that they promised to put the case to me in writing, with a full statement of the reasons for suggesting the change. I have not yet received this statement.

Mr. Whiteley

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there have been discussions between the Durham coal owners and the Durham miners, and that they are themselves agreed that this is a very beneficial thing?

Mr. Brown

They know that as far as benefit is concerned the matter will have to be considered by the committee.

Mr. Shinwell

When men are forced out of employment by Government action is there not a case for full consideration?

Mr. Brown

The question is about delay due to shipping and transport.

Mr. Georģe Griffiths

Is it not a fact that upstairs not long ago the Minister bitterly opposed this reconsideration, and turned it down?

Mr. Brown

I am never bitter.

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