Mr. BECKETTasked the Minister of Labour on what grounds Miss Rose Strudwick, of 37, Netherwood Road, W.14, was deemed by the Hammersmith Employment Exchange to be not genuinely seeking employment; if he is aware that the Court of Referees, upon hearing the facts from a representative of the appellant's trade union, at once reversed this decision; and what steps he advises local committees to take to obtain information before imposing penalties of this kind?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThis claimant lost her employment as bookstall assistant in 2135W October last. Similar employment was desired by her, but this was no longer open to her owing to her age and to the fact that boys are now employed in this occupation. After she had drawn benefit for rather more than 12 weeks, she was interviewed and, while refusing to consider domestic service, appeared to be making little attempt to obtain other work. Benefit was disallowed by the insurance officer, but the Court of Referees on appeal was satisfied that she was genuinely seeking work and allowed benefit. I do not think there was any failure to make proper inquiries.