§ Sir R. ASKEasked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been directed to the claim for extended benefit by J. G. Hall, of 18, Ripponden Street, Newcastle, who is a glassmaker by trade; whether he is aware that the claim has been disallowed on the ground that the 745W applicant was discharged from the Army two years ago at his own request, although this was after 18 years' service, during which he was awarded the D.C.M., and he has been unable to obtain employment during these two years; and whether he will, in the exercise of his discretion, direct that extended benefit shall be paid to the applicant from the date of application?
§ Mr. SHAWI am having inquiry made, and will let the hon. Member know the result as soon as possible.
§ Mr. MACPHERSONasked the Minister of Labour whether the practice of his Department permits the payment of unemployment pay in a case where a female domestic servant employed for the season at a holiday resort in a hotel, boardinghouse, or any house in which rooms are let, returns home and refuses to accept similar employment in a private house, notwithstanding that such employment is easily available and good wages are offered and whether he proposes to take any steps to prevent this?
§ Mr. SHAWThe statutory conditions for the receipt of unemployment insurance benefit require that a claimant must be genuinely seeking work, but unable to obtain suitable employment, and must also be available for work. If a claimant refuse employment offered, the question whether these conditions are fulfilled falls for decision by the statutory authorities, who take into consideration the circumstances of the individual case, including previous experience in the employment offered.