§ Mr. R. YOUNGasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that men in the engineering trade suspended before the lock-out for slackness of work are being refused unemployment benefit because of the dispute in the engineering industry; whether this is in conformity with any decision governing the administration of the Unemployment Acts; and, if not, will he give instructions that those so unemployed and entitled to benefit be paid without unnecessary delay?
§ Sir M. BARLOWSo far as I am aware, benefit has not been disallowed in cases where men definitely lost their employment before the dispute. I am informed, however, that the Chief Insurance Officer, in accordance with previous decisions of the Umpire, has held that engineers suspended but not definitely discharged before the lock-out are disqualified from Unemployment Benefit. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of these decisions. As he is aware, the decision of the Insurance Officer in any particular case can be tested by an appeal to the Court of Referees and, if necessary, to the Umpire.