§ Mr. SITCHasked the Minister of Labour if he will explain the position under the Unemployment Insurance Act of an ex-service man in receipt of a military or naval pension; whether such a man will be entitled to unemployment benefit without regard to the amount of pension other than a full disability pension; and, if not, the reason for treating pensioned ex-service men differently from other persons covered by the Act?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe position of pensioned ex-service men under the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1920, is the same as that of other employed per- 587W sons. Subject to their satisfying the statutory conditions they will be entitled to receive benefit when unemployed. Ex-service men in the receipt of pensions of £26 a year or upwards in common with other employed persons in receipt of private income or pensions may claim exemption from the payment of contributions if they so desire.