§ Sir J. Leechasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that an attempt was made recently to meet a demand for women workers in the confectionery trade at Norwich, by offering the work to unemployed women and girls in the North of England, and that the employment was refused by the unemployed persons to whom it was offered; and whether he will take steps to provide that unemployment benefit should not be paid to unemployed persons who refuse to accept transfer to suitable employment at satisfactory wages under satisfactory conditions?
§ Mr. E. BrownI am aware that vacancies for 30 confectionery workers at Norwich were recently brought to the notice of persons who were available in Northumberland and Durham, some of whom were claimants for unemployment benefit. The vacancies were filled and three additional applicants were engaged, but in a number of other cases, the offer of employment was refused. It is for the Statutory authorities to decide whether a claimant who has refused an offer of employment is disqualified for the receipt of benefit. Of 23 cases which were referred to Courts of Referees in Northumberland and Durham benefit was disallowed in 20 cases, two claims were allowed and in one case I have not yet heard the result.