Benefit Disallowed.

Oral Answers to Questions — Unemployment. – in the House of Commons at on 26 March 1929.

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Photo of Mr James Hudson Mr James Hudson , Huddersfield

52.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Mr. John Allen Bentley, of 8, West View, Paddock, Huddersfield, was denied dependant's benefit for his wife on the grounds that she was engaged in an occupation ordinarily carried on for profit; that this profit was said to be the 3s. which she made by having her husband's brother as boarder in the house; and what are the grounds of the withdrawal of 7s. benefit on account of the wife?

Photo of Sir Henry Betterton Sir Henry Betterton , Rushcliffe

The ground was the statutory ground stated by the hon. Member, namely, that the wife was engaged in an occupation ordinarily carried on for profit. A decision to this effect was given by the umpire in Mr. Bentley's case and this decision is final.

Photo of Mr James Hudson Mr James Hudson , Huddersfield

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in this case the umpire's decision was taken in connection with a former decision in which he held that 22 shillings was to be the figure by which this profit was to be computed; that only three shillings profit was made, and that the person in question lost seven shillings benefit; and does the hon. Gentleman agree that the umpire should be left unimpeded to carry on injustice of that sort?

Photo of Sir Henry Betterton Sir Henry Betterton , Rushcliffe

The umpire's decision is final under the Act of Parliament of 1927.

Photo of Mr James Hudson Mr James Hudson , Huddersfield

But is the hon. Gentleman not aware that he has power to make recommendations of a general character which might guide the umpire in his decisions?

Photo of Sir Henry Betterton Sir Henry Betterton , Rushcliffe

No, Sir, I am not aware of any such power. No such power is given by the Act.

Photo of Mr Thomas Williams Mr Thomas Williams , Don Valley

Does the hon. Gentleman suggest that it was agreed that the umpire should have this power and that, if cases similar to this arose, there should be no consideration of any Amendment of the Act?

Boot and Shoe Industry, Great Britain. Unemployment among Insured Persons.
Date.Wholly unemployed.Temporarily stopped.Total.
Number.Per cent.Number.Per cent.Number.Per cent.
20th February, 19285,7444.22,2741.78,0185.9
25th February, 192910,0057.59,2016.919,20614.4