§ Mr. A. SHORTasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the employers of Darlaston are seeking to reduce the wages of their female employés; whether dispute obtains; whether the employers have locked out the men workers, though they have nothing to do with the dispute; whether applications have been made by such locked-out persons for payment under the Unemployment Insurance Act; whether benefit has been refused; and, if so, why?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI am informed that the facts are generally as stated in the question. In accordance with the provisions of Section 8 (1) of the Unemployment Insurance Act, insured contributors who have lost employment by reason of a stoppage of work which was due to a trade dispute at the factory, workshop, or premises on which they were employed are disqualified for receiving unemployment benefit. This qualification appears to apply to the cases here in question, and unemployment benefit has been disallowed by the insurance officer. I understand that the Court of Referees has heard test cases, and has agreed with the decision of the insurance officer?