§ Sir R. ASKEasked the Minister of Labour what is the estimated extra cost if men who have been given unemployment relief work by the authorities were allowed to receive insurance benefit immediately on ceasing such work; and whether he is prepared to put forward a Measure to allow this, in view of the short periods for which this work is provided?
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§ Miss BONDFIELDNo comprehensive information is available as to the length of the spells of employment on relief works, and, in consequence, it is not possible to give such an estimate. If unemployment is broken by spells of employment of less than three weeks no further "waiting period" has to be served and unemployment benefit is payable, subject, of course, to the fulfilment of the other statutory conditions for the receipt of benefit.