§ Mr. BATEYasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the unemployed benefit of Mr. A. Gray, Front Street, Tudhoe Colliery, Spennymoor, County of Durham, has been stopped since October, 1922, on a charge of leading four loads of fire coal in March, 1922; and whether he will be now allowed to appeal, in order that his unemployed benefit may be resumed?
§ Mr. BETTERTONBenefit was disallowed for the period November, 1921, to March, 1922, on the ground that the applicant was carrying on a business on his own account. The disallowance was confirmed in May, 1922, by the Court of Referees, which did not grant leave to appeal further. A subsequent claim to benefit in October, 1922, was allowed, but owing to benefit previously overpaid, payment was not resumed until three weeks ago, since when, however, payment has been made.
§ Mr. WHEATLEYasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the Rutherglen Employment Exchange Committee have had reported to them the case of a young man who was employed by Messrs. G. and J. Weir, Cathcart, at the wage of 1324W 11s. 6d. a week, and that this young man had to leave the employment owing to the inadequate wage, and is now receiving unemployment benefit; and will he take steps to ensure that Government contractors pay an adequate wage?
§ Mr. BETTERTONAs the hon. Member for the Springburn Division (Mr. Hardie) was informed last week, my right hon. Friend is making inquiries into this case. With regard to the second part of the question, Government contractors are required to observe rates of wages in accordance with the Fair Wages Resolution.