HC Deb 20 February 1924 vol 169 cc1808-9W
Mr. STEPHEN

asked the Minister of Labour the number of applications for uncovenanted benefit during the month of January at the Bridgeton Employment Exchange, the Parkhead Employment Exchange, the Partick Employment Exchange, the Govan Employment Exchange, and the South Side Employment Exchange, Glasgow, and the number of such applications refused in each case on the ground that the applicant was not genuinely seeking whole-time employment?

Mr. SHAW

The only figures readily available are those showing the number of applications for uncovenanted benefit referred to the Local Employment Committees for their areas, and the number rejected for the reason mentioned in the question.

Following are the figures referred to:—

Period 15th January, February, 1924
Exchange No. of applications referred Exchange.to Local Employment Committees. No. rejected as not genuinely seeking whole-time employment.
Bridgeton 3,776 137
Parkhead 1,610 42
Pantick 3,447 7
Govan 1,510 161
Glasgow(South Side) 4,549 41

Mr. MACLEAN

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that John Clougherty, 116, Queen Street, Govan, has been refused benefit on the ground that he is not genuinely seeking employment; whether he is aware that this man was employed for 40 years with one firm, and that he has been unemployed for 18 months; and whether, in view of this record of work, he will give instructions for this case to be reviewed?

Mr. SHAW

I am having enquiry made into this case and will communicate the result immediately to my hon. Friend.

Mr. T. JOHNSTON

asked the Minister of Labour if his attention has been drawn to the case of Mr. Patrick McGrorty, of Lennoxtown, Stirlingshire, who has been penalised in six weeks' unemployment benefit for unsatisfactory conduct; is he aware that, this unsatisfactory conduct was his being a few minutes late on one or two mornings after walking nine miles to his work; that this man searched for and got the employment; and that he walked 18 miles a day to and from his work, leaving his home at 4.30 am. and returning at 7 p.m.; and, seeing that this man thus gives evidence of his desire to work, will he have inquiry made into this case?

Mr. SHAW

I am having inquiry made, and will let my hon. Friend know the result as soon as possible.