§ Mr. HANNONasked the Minister of Labour whether he can indicate the numbers of women who have been in receipt of unemployment pay since their discharge from Government Departments or factories engaged on Government contracts; what is the longest period over which such payments have been made; and whether, in view of the Report of the Committee on Conditions in Domestic Service, any steps are being taken to stop the payment of unemployment benefit to women who are fitted for, but unwilling to enter, domestic service?
§ Mr. BETTERTONIt is not possible to distinguish women in the categories mentioned by the hon. Member from other women applicants for benefit. Generally, women applicants were entitled, under the statutory provisions, to receive benefit for the same length of time as men during the special periods which have been in operation during the past three years and will be similarly entitled during the first benefit year now current. The hon. Member is no doubt aware that benefit is only paid to women who are normally employed otherwise than in domestic service and standing instructions already provide that unemployment benefit shall not be paid to women who are suitable for and who refuse domestic service.