HC Deb 07 March 1929 vol 226 cc574-5W
Mr. TINNE

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Employment Exchange at Garston had not drawn sufficient money to pay unemployment benefit on Friday the 22nd instant, and did not realise this until the banks were closed, and that some of the men entitled to benefit had to wait till the following Monday; and whether he will have inquiries made with a view to stopping the recurrence of any such inconvenience?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

There was sufficient cash at the Garston Exchange to meet normal requirements on Friday, 22nd February, but an unusually large number of claimants attended late on that day to apply for payment of benefit for previous weeks which they had not called for on regular pay-days. At about 7 p.m. it became apparent that the cash in hand was insufficient, and as the banks were closed the Exchange was unable to obtain more money. About 55 claimants who could not be paid were invited to attend on Monday, 25th February, when payment was made. I regret that steps were not taken to make payment on Saturday, 23rd February, as would have been possible under the existing instructions.