§ 15. Mr. Pageasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance to what extent his regulations allow men dismissed as a result of the operation of the closed shop principle by agreement between employers and unions to draw unemployment benefit.
§ Mr. PeakeI have no power to make special rules for such cases, which would have to be decided by the statutory authorities in the light of all the facts. If my hon. Friend has a particular case in mind, perhaps he would write to me.
§ Mr. PageIs the Minister aware of the agreements between the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board and the Transport and General Workers' Union, and between the Manchester Ship Canal and the Transport and General Workers' Union, and of the statements made by officers of that union that if any dockers joined what is called the "blue union," they would be out of a job? Would they receive unemployment benefit?
§ Mr. PeakeI would hesitate to express an opinion on this technical matter without full knowledge of the facts.