§ Mr. SAKLATVALAasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that, after unemployment benefit had been granted to Mr. Daniel Toal, of 43, Eskside, Musselburgh, by a Court of Referees, his claim was referred to the Umpire, who finally turned it down and will he state the reason for this decision and give facilities for the reopening of the case?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI understand that the insurance officer did not agree with the Court of Referees' recommendation, and accordingly referred the case to the Umpire, as he was legally bound to do. The Umpire disallowed benefit on the ground that Mr. Toal had lost employment on 30th April through a stoppage of work due to a trade dispute at the premises at which he was employed, and that his subsequent illness did not remove the disqualification, which lasts as long as the stoppage of work continues. The Umpire is the final authority in such a case, and I have no power to intervene in the matter. The Umpire can revise hip decision on new facts being brought to his knowledge.