HC Deb 05 February 1931 vol 247 cc2139-40W
Mr. EGAN

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the apprehension caused by the Employment Exchanges compelling claimants for unemployment benefit to state their age and the consequent handicap on persons of middle age, she will consider the removal of such disability?

Miss BONDFIELD

I do not agree that claimants are handicapped in obtaining employment by having to state their age to the Exchange. On the contrary, this is one of the particulars which the Exchange should know if it is to be in a position to give the greatest assistance to claimants. No discrimination on grounds of age is made in submitting applicants otherwise suitable, except where the employer has stated an age limit. I should add that in certain cases the rate of benefit or the right to benefit depends on the claimant's age.