§ Mr. HALLSasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that in the case of J. Garner, under the Farnworth Employment Exchange, his unemployment allowance has been stopped for a period of nine weeks owing to his having, in ignorance, drawn the health insurance allowance and the unemployment allowance at the same time, and that in consequence he is receiving outdoor relief in kind from the guardians; and can he say why the pay is still being withheld?
§ Sir M. BARLOWUnemployment benefit has not been paid to Mr. J. Garner since it was discovered about the 10th March that he was obtaining unemployment benefit by means of an untrue statement that he was not in receipt of health insurance benefit. The question of the prosecution of Mr. Garner is under consideration. The Minister is not satisfied that it is expedient in the public interest that Mr. Garner should be allowed to receive benefit, and he cannot under the Act authorise the payment of benefit except where he is so satisfied.
Mr. MACLEANasked the Minister of Labour whether Mrs. K. Crozier was refused unemployment benefit by the local unemployment committee, Berwick-on-Tweed, on the ground that she was separated from her husband and living with her parents; whether her card was clear; and whether a local committee has powers to refuse benefit on such grounds?
§ Sir M. BARLOWI am having inquiries made into this case and will communicate the result to the hon. Member.
Mr. MACLEANasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Mrs. Young, Berwick-on-Tweed, made application to the local Exchange for unemployment benefit; that this woman has to earn her own living owing to her hus- 1578W band's desertion 10 years ago, and that the local employment committee refused her benefit and told her to make application to the guardians, who would find her husband; and whether local committees have power to refuse benefits which have been paid for on such grounds?
§ Sir M. BARLOWI understand that benefit was disallowed in this case as the Committee were not satisfied that the applicant was genuinely seeking whole-time employment. This is an essential condition for the receipt of uncovenanted benefit. I am informed that the fact that the applicant was separated from her husband was not considered by the Committee.
Mr. MACLEANasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction existing in Berwick and Spittal-on-Tweed over the decisions of the local employment committees; that numbers of people complain that, although they are out of employment, they have to sign on for several weeks during which time they receive no benefit, and then they have to appear before a committee which refuses them the benefits they have been paying for; and what steps he proposes to take?
§ Sir M. BARLOWI am informed that this Committee gives very careful consideration to all applications for unemployment benefit, and that no avoidable delay occurs before the hearing of cases by the Committee. I am satisfied that in general the recommendations of the Committee are in accordance with the statutory provisions and the directions issued for their guidance.