83. Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that conflicting rulings have been given in different parts of the country as to whether gamekeepers are insurable under the Unemployment Insurance Act; and whether he will give a decision on this matter?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Dr. Macnamara)I am not aware that any rulings have been given on this question. If any have been given, they are irregular and unauthorised. An authoritative decision under Section 10 of the Act will, it is hoped, be given in a few days' time.
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIf they are being paid it is better to go on paying them, and if necessary the payments will be returned.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENDoes the right hon. Gentleman not know that it is impossible to get money back from a Government Department?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIn the oases referred to the money will be paid back.
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSWhat does the right hon. Gentleman mean by saying that they were not authorised? Surely the people administering the Act are bound to say whether the people are bound to contribute or not.
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThere is proper provision in the Act, Section 10, to cover this question.