HC Deb 20 March 1951 vol 485 cc2310-1
Mr. Edelman

(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of National Insurance if she is aware that because of the strike of 350 vehicle workers at the Jaguar Car Company, Coventry, 300 workers who are not participating in the strike have been refused unemployment benefit in consequence of the provisions of Section 13 (1, a & b)of the National Insurance Act. 1946; and whether, pending the hearing of the appeals by those workers against the refusal to pay benefit, she will request the Chairman of the National Assistance Board to allow benefits to the men concerned equivalent to unemployment insurance benefit.

The Minister of National Insurance (Dr. Edith Summerskill)

I am aware that there is such a trade dispute and that certain claims to unemployment benefit have been disallowed in consequence. I have, however, no power to do as my hon. Friend suggests, as the Board has to decide applications for assistance in accordance with the provisions of the National Assistance Act and the regulations made thereunder.

Mr. Edelman

Is my right hon. Friend aware that these men are innocent victims of a strike in which they have no part at all? Is it not unjust that they should be denied benefit, and will my right hon. Friend endeavour to get them some measure of relief before Easter?

Dr. Summerskill

If my hon. Friend reads the relevant Section of the Act, he will find that the Act does not distinguish between those directly and indirectly involved in a trade dispute.

Mr. Edelman

Are these men not as much innocent victims as if their factory had fallen down so that when they turned up for work there was no work for them? They have contributed nothing to this strike. Is it not unfair that they should be treated in this way?

Dr. Summerskill

My hon. Friend must realise that these Acts are being correctly interpreted, and the House would object to my administration and that of the National Assistance Board if that were not so. I can, however, reassure my hon. Friend. Yesterday a number of these men called at the Assistance Board offices and their claims were examined. A number were told that they had had wages fairly recently and that furthermore they would be entitled to Income Tax refunds; but that if there were others who felt that they had a strong claim they could remain behind and have their claim examined. As a consequence of that, a number were granted assistance for their families and the rest were told to return on Thursday for assistance, if necessary.

Miss Burton

Is my right hon. Friend aware that deputations from these trade unions came to see me in Coventry on Saturday; that there is widespread distress because of this position; and that the true test of any Act is that it should work under difficult conditions.

Mr. Nally

Is it not perfectly clear that. while appreciating everything my right hon. Friend has said, the incident to which attention has been drawn demonstrates the quite appalling anomaly which she must bend her energies to correcting at the earliest possible date?

Dr. Summerskill

I should also remind my hon. Friend that the National Union of Vehicle Workers, one of the unions catering for these men, is now paying strike pay.