HC Deb 24 February 1926 vol 192 cc545-7W
Mr. GRIFFITHS

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the unemployment benefit of Miss Ellen Rosser, of Cwmbran, has been stopped, because she refused to take a job at Llandrindod Wells, which is about 60 miles from her home, at the rate of 10s. per week; and whether, seeing that Miss Rosser has a widowed mother over 70 years of age to look after, he will reconsider his decision in this case?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

This case is one for determination by the statutory authorities, and not by me. The offer of work was made after a period of six months' unemployment, and on refusal benefit was disallowed by the insurance officer, on the ground that the statutory condition, "Genuinely seeking work" was not fulfilled. The claimant can appeal against this decision to the Court of Referees.

Mr. LANSBURY

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the case of Miss V. Weldon, of 38, Redcliffe Gardens, Earl's Court, S.W. 10, case number 21,736, Walham Green Employment Exchange, who for seven months has been endeavouring to secure unemployment benefit due to her from the above Exchange; is he aware that it took from 15th December to 6th January to get a reply from the chief insurance officer; that this young woman has been left penniless during all this time; that, despite the fact that after six months of investigation and a hearing before two courts of referees, who finally decided in favour of the applicant, the matter still remains in abeyance; and whether he will inquire into this case?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I find the difficulty in this case is that no unemployment insurance contributions have been paid in respect of Miss Weldon though her employment was apparently insurable. Steps are being taken to obtain payment of contributions from her previous employer, but meanwhile I am afraid it is not possible to allow benefit.

Mr. WRIGHT

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that alarm prevails in the parishes of Rutherglen, Cambuslang and Blantyre owing to the refusal of unemployment benefit to numbers of men and women on the ground that they have failed to prove a reasonable period of employment, whereas in fact there is no employment at all available for them in this area by reason of the industrial depression; and whether he will cause a special investigation to be made into the matter?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I am having inquiries made into this matter, and will let the hon. Member know the result as soon as possible.

Mr. WRIGHT

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a number of persons between the ages of 60 and 65 are being refused unemployment benefit in the parishes of Ruther-glen, Cambuslang, and Blantyre, as unlikely to obtain employment even in normal times, and that consequently great hardship is being occasioned and a heavy burden being imposed upon the parish councils and ratepayers; and whether he will cause a special investigation to be made into the matter?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I am having inquiries made into this matter and will, let the hon. Member know the result as soon as possible.