§ 46. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Minister of Labour why there was a delay in payment of unemployment benefit to miners and other workers during the recent inclement weather in many areas of South Wales which is causing serious financial embarrassment to many people, particularly in view of the promise that no difficulties would be raised with those unable to continue their work.
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Isaacs)I have no knowledge of any delay in the payment of unemployment benefit in South Wales during the recent inclement weather except that during one week of severe snow storms it was physically impossible, owing to complete lack of transport, for staff to reach some of the outhoused premises in Glamorgan and Monmouthshire on Thursday or Friday, the normal pay day. In two cases payment at due date was impossible because bank staff were unable to reach their offices and no cash was available. In every case, however, payment was made on Friday or Saturday and no instance is known where payment was delayed for more than two days.