HC Deb 13 May 1924 vol 173 c1174W
Mr. LANSBURY

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the local employment committee has refused unemployment pay to Mr. E. Hill, of 107, Railton Road, Herne Hill, giving as a reason for this decision that this man was not genuinely seeking employment; is he aware that the man concerned has in his possession a long list of employers who testify to the fact that he has been diligently seeking employment: and that the committee refused even to look at the signatures of the various firms: and, in view of the fact that this decision has inflicted grave suffering on Mr. Hill, will he cause the case to be reconsidered?

Miss BONDFIELD

I am informed that Mr. Hill, who is 23 years of age, and is a bookbinder and guillotine cutter by trade, has done no work since the beginning of November, 1921. He had previously paid 48 Unemployment Insurance contributions and he has since drawn, in all, 413 days' benefit. The local employment committee have considered his case carefully on several occasions, and in April last declined to recommend further benefit. I am assured that they examined all the evidence that he produced. I am not prepared to overrule their recommendation.