§ Sir R. CLOUGHasked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider the desir- 633W ability of setting forth this winter in concise and handy form a comprehensive statement as to the benefits obtainable by an unemployed family in respect of State insurances (health, unemployment, and dependants (temporary provision), guardians' assistance, and relief work, with detailed explanations as to how any of these are affected by pensions (service, old age, or any other), such statement to be readily obtainable at post offices and Employment Exchanges?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIn view of the information already published and the expense involved in carrying out the suggestion contained in the question, I am inclined to think that the publication of a statement as proposed would hardly be justified. I will, however, consult my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, who is also concerned, and communicate with my hon. Friend. I may inform my hon. Friend that leaflets containing particulars of Unemployment Insurance benefit, and indicating to what extent such benefit is affected by pensions, are already obtainable at any Employment Exchange, and that it is proposed to issue immediately a corresponding leaflet with regard to the grants payable under the Unemployed Workers' Dependants (Temporary Provision) Act. Information regarding relief work may also be obtained as a rule at Employment Exchanges.
§ Mr. E. KELLYasked the Minister of Labour whether Henry Loughran, of Ballybofey, county Donegal, was supplied with an unemployment insurance card, which was stamped with 25 stamps; that he applied to the Ballybofey Employment Exchange for benefit and, after signing daily for nine weeks, was informed that he was not entitled to benefit; can he state if Henry Loughran is entitled to benefit; if not, why was he supplied with a card; and what steps will he take with regard to the stamping of the same?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI understand that a claim to benefit was made on the 3rd August, and the claimant's eligibility for benefit under Section 3 of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1921, was considered. Delay was, I am informed, caused by the failure of the applicant to supply sufficient information as to his previous employment and consequent difficulty in verifying that he had been engaged in insurable employment in each of 20 weeks since 31st December, 1919, as634W required by Section 3. When the necessary inquiries had been made the case was referred to the Court of Referees, in accordance with the usual procedure, and the Court disallowed the claim. It may still be possible to pay benefit in respect of contributions paid, but the payment of contributions has not so far been verified. Further inquiries are being made with regard to this point, and I will communicate the result to my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. R. RICHARDSONasked the Minister of Labour whether a number of insured persons normally employed in the Belleek Pottery, county Fermanagh, have not received the full amount of unemployment benefit to which they are entitled, although repeated applications have been made to the Employment Exchanges at Ballyshannon and Sligo; and whether he will take steps to expedite a settlement of these claims?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI am making inquiries locally, and will communicate the result to my hon. Friend.