HC Deb 31 October 1984 vol 65 cc990-1W
Mr. Tom Cox

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is his policy towards the payment of benefits to workers who are dismissed for refusing to handle or work with asbestos; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alan Clark

A person who has been dismissed from his employment may in certain circumstances be disqualified from receiving unemployment benefit. Whenever doubt arises as to the cause of dismissal, claims are referred to the independent adjudicating authorities. It is for them to decide in each case whether the circumstances of the dismissal were such as to disqualify the claimant from receiving benefit.