§ Mr. W. BAKERasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the dockers at Avonmouth are divided into two classes, general cargo workers and grain porters; that 50 grain porters have each had six days' unemployment benefit suspended because on 25th June men could not be obtained to work in the refrigerator, which work is not that of grain porters; and that on the same date grain work was available in the dock, which the employers refused to open up; whether he is aware that these grain porters were quite prepared to follow their own occupation but that the opportunity was denied them; and whether, in these circumstances, he will take steps to pay the six days' benefit to which they are entitled?
§ Mr. BETTERTONBenefit was disallowed in these cases by the chief insurance officer on the ground that suitable employment was available and was re-674W fused. An appeal to the Court of Referees is pending and I cannot interfere.