§ Mr. STEPHENasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that applicants for unemployment benefit with 29 stamps to their credit have had their claims rejected by the insurance officer on the ground that they had not a reasonable amount of employment in the preceding two years; and, since the statutory number is only 30, does this decision by the insurance officer mean that the transition period is no longer in operation?
§ Mr. BETTERTONAs the hon. Member knows, I cannot interfere with the decisions of the statutory authorities, which are subject to appeal in this as in other cases.
§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the Minister of Labour if he aware that a number of men employed at Messrs. Howard and Bulloughs, Accrington, were informed by the firm on 5th October, 1928, that their services would not be required until 16th October; that they signed off at the Employment Exchange on l5th October in order to start the following day, but were told they could not start until the 17th; that unemployment benefit was disallowed for 16th October; that the Court of Referees recommended that payment be made, but the recommendation was turned down by the deputy umpire; and if he will state the reasons why a workman presenting himself for employment on instructions automatically becomes disqualified from receiving unemployment benefit for that particular day?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI am aware of the circumstances mentioned in the question, but I cannot interfere with decisions by the statutory authorities. I can only refer the hon. Member to the Deputy-Umpire's decision, of which I am sending him a copy.