§ Mr. TURNERasked the Minister of Labour why Mrs. Poulton, of Burnley, was refused unemployment benefit; and will he inquire into the allegation of insulting language used to Mrs. Poulton by the insurance officer when she appeared before the rota committee on 27th May?
§ Mr. SHAWMrs. Poulton's claim to uncovenanted benefit was disallowed on 3rd March last by the local rota committee, which included two representatives of the Burnley's Weavers' Association, on the ground that she definitely refused to comply with what I am informed is the well-established practice in the weaving industry in that town, namely, to attend for a short time in the morning in the warehouse of a cotton mill on certain days in the week in order to be available should an opportunity of employment arise. The disallowance of benefit was subsequently confirmed by the main local Employment Committee. The "insulting language'' referred to was, I understand, a statement made by an officer of the Exchange that Mrs. Poulton did not appear to be keen on work. The matter has already been inquired into through the local committee. While it would have been better if the words complained of had not been used, I am informed that they were not intended in an insulting sense.