§ Sir R. ASKEasked the Minister of Labour whether her attention has been drawn to various cases where claims for refund of unemployment insurance contributions have become barred by reason of not having been made within the pre scribed period owing to ignorance by the claimants of their statutory rights; and whether she will introduce legislation to allow a further extension of time for claims?
§ Miss BONDFIELDI presume that the hon. Member refers to the right to claim a refund under Section 25 of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1920, which was repealed as from 7th July, 1924, by Section 9 of the Unemployment Insurance (No. 2) Act, 1924. A period of five years, up to 7th July, 1929, was allowed to persons concerned in order to make such claims and the Department took steps, by advertisement in the Press and otherwise (including a notice in the Press on 10th January, 1929), to give notice of this time-limit. I am satisfied that the various notices have been effective and I do not think an extension of the time for making claims would be justifiable.