HC Deb 14 November 1928 vol 222 cc899-900W
Mr. BUCHANAN

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that applicants for unemployment benefit are, on applying, being asked questions about their private affairs, particularly into the earning capacity of members of their family, and that men are refused benefit for their wives because the latter have a pension of 10s. or 12s. a week; and by what authority these questions are being asked, particularly as to sons' and daughters' wages?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

In most cases where dependants' allowances are claimed, such questions are essential for the determination of the claim in view of the statutory conditions. If the hon. Member will give me particulars of any case where he thinks such questions were asked unnecessarily, I will inquire into it.