HC Deb 10 March 1919 vol 113 cc939-40W
Sir J. BUTCHER

asked the Minister of Labour in how many cases have criminal or civil proceedings been instituted against persons in Ireland for improperly claiming and obtaining out-of-work donations, and with what results; and what is the total amount of the money improperly paid in these donations which has been recovered?

Sir R. HORNE

There are fifteen cases in which criminal prosecutions are pending against persons in Ireland for improperly claiming out-of-work donation. I will have inquiries made as to the results, and will inform my hon. and learned Friend as soon as possible. No money has yet been recovered by civil proceedings in respect of out-of-work donation improperly obtained. The question of what, if any, appropriate steps can be taken for that recovery is now under consideration.

Sir J. BUTCHER

asked the Minister of Labour on what day the new scheme of out-of-work donations in Ireland came into operation, and the total amount expended on the donations in Ireland since the scheme originally came into existence?

Sir R. HORNE

The date on which the modified scheme of out-of-work donation for Ireland came into force was Thursday, 6th March. The total amount expended in Ireland in out-of-work donation up to that date is estimated at £1,050,000.

Mr. THOMAS

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that over thirty unemployed men at Blaydon-on-Tyne were early in February offered work fifty miles away at Middlesbrough, but were refused information as to the nature of the work, the rate of wages, or the name of the firm, and that although these men did not definitely refuse the work the donation benefit was stopped, and they were advised to appeal, but that in spite of repeated applications there are no indications as to when the appeals are to be heard; and whether, in view of the straitened circumstances of these men and their belief that they have been tricked out of their unemployment benefit, he will have immediate inquiries made into the matter?

Sir R. HORNE

I am informed that a number of these cases have now been dealt with by the Court of Referees, and that the remainder will be dealt with in the next few days. Further inquiries are being made in order to ascertain precisely the circumstances in which donation was suspended in these cases, and I will communicate the result to my right hon. Friend as soon as possible.