Fuel Emergency (Unemployment)

Oral Answers to Questions — National Insurance – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 4 Mawrth 1947.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Alfred Bossom Mr Alfred Bossom , Maidstone 12:00, 4 Mawrth 1947

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.

Photo of Mr James Griffiths Mr James Griffiths , Llanelly

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.

Photo of Mr Alfred Bossom Mr Alfred Bossom , Maidstone

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?

Photo of Mr James Griffiths Mr James Griffiths , Llanelly

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.

Photo of Mr Joseph Sparks Mr Joseph Sparks , Acton

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?

Photo of Mr James Griffiths Mr James Griffiths , Llanelly

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.

Photo of Mr Alfred Bossom Mr Alfred Bossom , Maidstone

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

Photo of Mr James Griffiths Mr James Griffiths , Llanelly

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