§ Mr. W. BAKERasked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to a resolution passed by the Leeds Board of Guardians and other authorities throughout the country, in which the opinion is expressed that the recent Circular which disallows State unemployment benefits to applicants, other than disabled ex-service men, unless eight contributions have been paid since the beginning of the two insurance years preceding the benefit year, or 30 contributions paid at any time, is having the effect of increasing the number of able-bodied men making claims on the guardians; and whether, seeing that the national obligation is being transferred to the local ratepayers with grave ill-effects to the men and to the community, he will consider the desirability of withdrawing the Circular in question?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI have read the resolution to which the hon. Member refers. The requirement in question was fully discussed in this House on the 9th March, and I regret that I can add nothing to the statements made on that occasion by my right hon. Friend and myself.