§ Mr. SNELLasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Woolwich unemployment committee ceased to function on the 7th of September last as a protect against the administrative regulations of his Department dealing with unemployed benefit, and the decision of the Department to refuse benefit to applicants, although in possession of stamp value, on the ground that they were not genuinely seeking employment; that the committee have not yet resumed their duties; that similar action has been taken by other committees in different parts of the country: and will he give instructions that the practice of vetoing the decisions of these responsible committees will be discontinued?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI am aware of the circumstances referred to and much regret that in one or two areas I am without the assistance of the local employment committee or of certain members of it. In the vast majority of cases committees' recommendations on claims to extended benefit are accepted, but the final decision rests with me and I cannot divest myself of the responsibility for it.