Mr. W. A. JENKINSasked the Minister of Health if he will now give special consideration to the anomaly of the gap period at present operating under the Unemployment Insurance Act; and will he take steps to entirely abolish the gap period?
§ Miss BONDFIELDI have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the Unemployment Insurance Bill now before the House, which proposes to abolish the gap of three weeks in Unemployment Benefit.
§ Mr. MORELasked the Minister of Labour if the Government propose to abolish all gaps between now and Whit. Sunday next, and to make provision that, after 15th May next, all relief for destitute able-bodied unemployed persons shall become a national charge?
§ Miss BONDFIELDAs the hon. Member is aware, an Unemployment Insurance Bill is now before the House which will abolish the gap of three weeks without benefit, which occurs after 12 weeks uncovenanted benefit has been drawn in the first benefit year. The question of further provision of benefit beyond the maximum of 26 weeks now provided is now being considered. My right hon. Friend hopes to present a Bill to the House dealing with the whole question of Unemployment Insurance at an early date.