Mr. J. JONESasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that applicants for unemployment insurance benefit who claim to be entitled to benefit on the ground that they were in employment for not less than 20 weeks since the end of 1919 frequently have to suffer delay in payment in consequence of the practice of the authorities in writing for confirmation to the employers, some of whom omit to reply; and whether some other procedure can be devised which will obviate this delay?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAEmployment in an insurable occupation in at least 20 weeks since December, 1919, is one of the statutory conditions for the receipt of benefit under the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1921, and it is essential that confirmation of the applicant's statements should be obtained. The procedure for obtaining this confirmation is made as simple as possible, and I am satisfied that it has, on the whole, worked satisfactorily, though I am aware that delay has occurred in some cases.