HC Deb 19 November 1925 vol 188 cc617-8W
Mr. LUNN

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that at various Employment Exchanges a new custom has been adopted of refusing to allow those who have been turned down by rota committees to further sign on; under whose instructions are they acting in this matter: and, if there is no regulation for such procedure, whether he will make it known that such refusal is likely to prejudice large numbers of people from qualifying for further benefit, even if there is an alteration in the circumstances of the cases?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I am not aware of any such custom and shall be glad of particulars of any specific case, so that I may investigate it. The prescribed practice is precisely the contrary.

Captain W. BENN

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state, in the case of an applicant for unemployment benefit whose claim has been refused on the ground that he is not genuinely seeking employment, over what period he is required to produce proof and what is the character of the proof called for?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

The proof to be required in respect of the statutory condition "genuinely seeking work" is determined not by me but by the Insurance Officer, Court of Referees or Umpire, and varies according to the varying circumstances of individual cases.