HC Deb 14 December 1916 vol 88 cc930-1W
Mr. DEVLIN

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that 148 members of the National Amalgamated Society of Operative House and Ship Painters and Decorators were recently dismissed from the Belfast shipyards although they are perfectly satisfied that there is plenty of work for them there; whether the secretary of the society has been requested by the manager of the Belfast Labour Exchange to supply painters, as red-lead workers, at Clydebank, at 2½d. below the standard wage; and whether he will make inquiries into this matter with a view either to enabling these men to resume employment in the Belfast shipyards or to ensuring the standard rate of wages for those of them who go to Clydebank?

Mr. ROBERTS

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I understand that a number of painters were discharged at Belfast towards the end of October and that, as vacancies for them were not available at Belfast they were offered employment as red-leaders at Clydebank. The rate of wages offered was the standard rate for red-leaders. The men declined the offer, and unemployment benefit was disallowed by the insurance officer. They have, however, an appeal to the Court of Referees.

Mr. NUGENT

asked the President of the Board of Trade, whether he is aware that the Labour Exchange in Dublin has refused payment of unemployment benefit to house painters or other tradesmen, though the men in question and their employers have complied with the National Insurance Act so far as payment of the contributions is concerned and the men have complied with the Act so far as proof of their unemployment; and will he state the grounds on which the refusal has taken place?

Mr. ROBERTS

In addition to payment of contributions and proof of unemploy- ment, the Act lays down certain conditions and disqualifications in respect of receipt of unemployment benefit. For instance, the workman would become ineligible for benefit if he refused an offer of suitable employment. Provision is made for the reference of disputed cases of disallowance of benefit to a Court of Referees. If my hon. Friend will supply me with details of the cases which he has in mind, I will ascertain the grounds on which they were disallowed and will let him know the result.