Captain COOTEasked the Minister of Labour whether many thousands of ex-officers are still unemployed; whether they are debarred from unemployed insurance benefit in many cases; whether some part of the sum voted in relief of unemployment can be used in relief of such cases; and, if so, how would it be paid?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe number of ex-officers registered with the Appointments Department as unemployed on 4th November was 6,052. They are not, of course, debarred from unemployment benefit on account of being ex-officers; but it may probably be assumed that the majority are unable to satisfy the preliminary qualifying conditions for benefit, which are that they should either have paid a sufficient number of unemployment insurance contributions or be able to show employment in an insurable occupation in at least 10 weeks since 31st December, 1919. The sums voted for the relief of unemployment are being expended by way of assistance to local authorities who undertake schemes of work for the relief of unemployment in their area. A preference is given to ex-members of the forces in the selection of636W men for employment, but as my hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware, the employment provided generally takes the form of labouring work. I am afraid it would not be possible to set aside any part of the available funds for the relief of ex-officers in particular.