§ Mr. BROTHERTONasked the Minister of Labour if his attention has been called to the position of indentured apprentices, who are compelled to pay unemployment insurance, but when knocked off work for slackness are denied benefit; and whether he will by Regulation direct benefit to be paid under such circumstances?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThe question at issue, in the class of case referred to by the hon. Member, is, whether the apprentice is entitled to wages during a period of unemployment; if he is entitled to wages he cannot draw unemployment benefit. The answer to this question depends on the circumstances of the particular case, and, so far as the right to benefit is concerned, the decision is given in accordance with the provisions of the Unemployment Insurance Acts by the insurance officer, with the usual rights of appeal to a Court of Referees and the Umpire. My right hon. Friend has no power to make Regulations in the matter.