§ Viscount SANDONasked the Minister of Labour whether he has any statistics to show the number of persons in receipt of unemployment benefit, both contributed and extended, who lost their employment for reasons derogatory to themselves, either as to character or ability and whether he has any means of securing such information from employers in a way that will preserve them from prosecution for defamation, in order to safeguard the interests of the Unemployment Insurance Fund?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Inquiry as to the reason for loss of employment is made of the last employer, and statements made by the employer in reply to such inquiries have been held by the Courts to be made on an occasion of qualified privilege. I have no reason to think that the unemployment fund is not adequately protected under the existing arrangements.