§ Mr. SHINWELLasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that officials of the Bathgate Exchange are visiting the homes of unemployed men in the district to find whether they are searching for work, and that men who have been found at home are questioned and a report of their activities taken; and whether this is done on the instructions of the Ministry?
§ Mr. BETTERTONIt is the practice for inquiries to be made at the homes of applicants for unemployment benefit if the circumstances appear to call for this course.
§ Dr. J. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that about 200 men unemployed through the closing of Pontyffynon colliery, Ammanford, payment of whose unemployment benefit was duly approved by a Court of Referees, had to wait for a period of 16 weeks before receiving payment; that the delay caused serious hardship and suffering amongst the families of the men concerned; and fi he can state the administrative reason for the delay?
619W
§ Mr. BETTERTONThe question at issue in this case was whether the stoppage of work was due to a trade dispute. The insurance officer referred the recommendation of the Court of Referees to the Umpire, who gave his decision in favour of the claimants on 11th November. The claims were made at the end of July and the Court of Referees had its hearing at the end of August. As the case was a complicated one some delay was unavoidable, but I am making inquiries.