HC Deb 09 March 1922 vol 151 cc1533-4W
Mr. WISE

asked the Minister of Labour what is the cost to the Government of the Unemployed Insurance since 1st January, 1922?

Sir M. BARLOW

The cost to the Government of Unemployment Insurance, and of the Unemployed Workers Dependants' Grants Scheme from 1st January to 4th March, 1922, is about £2,250,000.

Mr. HALLS

asked the Minister of Labour why unemployment pay is being withheld in the cases of both Thomas Geavey and J. R. Mansell, both of Hey-wood; and is he aware that these men have not received any pay since October last, and both are ex-service men having served over five years in the Army?

Sir M. BARLOW

I have caused inquiries to be instituted in the cases referred to by my hon. Friend, and will let him know the result as soon as possible.

Major W. MURRAY

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that James White, Caledonian Buildings, Lockerbie, was a permanent employé of the Caledonian Railway Company, and has paid his unemployment contribution regularly; whether Mr. White has signed on daily at the Employment Exchange as unemployed since 16th December, 1921, but has so far received no benefit; and whether arrangements have now been made with the railway companies concerned for paying the benefits due to those who were their permanent employés?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I am making inquiry with regard to the particular case mentioned by my hon. and gallant Friend. The general position is that permanent employés of the Caledonian Railway Company with more than three years' service have recently been excepted from unemployment insurance. They are therefore not entitled to unemployment benefit, but will receive as soon as possible a refund of contributions paid.

Mr. J. BROWN

asked the Minister of Labour the result of his inquiries into the position of workmen formerly employed either by private firms, or the County Council of Zetland, who have been disqualified for unemployment benefit because they were tenants of crofts, although they had paid the contributions laid down under the Unemployment Insurance Acts?

Dr. MACNAMARA

My inquiries are not yet complete. I understand that in certain cases claims have been allowed, while in others they have not been admitted, and I am awaiting a further report upon the latter.