asked the Minister of National Insurance what proposals he has to ease the financial difficulties inflicted on those not protected by the guaranteed week, due to the Government's restrictions on the use of electricity.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to Questions on this subject on 19th February. No doubt the hon. Member is aware of the easement of the waiting days requirement for unemployment benefit, which is already effective.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that this is a lock-out due to Government action? Is it not most unjust that men should suffer because of this action?

My duty is to make what provision I can within the Unemployment Insurance Act and to take immediate steps to bring about any improvements that can be brought about.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a number of men over 65 have not accepted retirement benefit because they have continued work in industry, have been temporarily unemployed, and are not entitled to receive unemployment insurance benefit? Should they not be entitled to receive benefit for that period?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will put that Question on the Paper, but I would remind the House that men over 65, and women over 60, are outside the provisions of the Unemployment Insurance Act.

This is a grave injustice. Surely the right hon. Gentleman does not intend to inflict an injustice on these people?

This Government, in 18 months, have done more for the unemployed than any Conservative Government.