§ 57. Mr. FREDERICK MARTINasked the Minister of Labour whether he is prepared to introduce legislation to exempt seasonal women fish-workers from the Unemployment Insurance Acts, as it is impossible for them to receive any benefits thereunder?
§ Sir M. BARLOWAs pointed out in the reply I gave to the hon. Member on the 6th December, it is not correct to say that these fish-curers can never qualify for unemployment benefit. I would add that if they are ordinarily and mainly dependent for their livelihood upon some other person, or on some non-insurable employment, they may, on application, obtain certificates exempting them—but not their employers—from payment of unemployment insurance contributions. This provision would appear to meet any cases of hardship that might otherwise arise.
§ Major MACKENZIE WOODIs it not a fact that it is practically impossible for these women workers to get any benefit from that scheme to which they are compelled to contribute, and does the right hon. Gentleman think that is fair?
§ Sir M. BARLOWI do not agree with the hon. and gallant Member, as I have indicated in my answer.
§ Major WOODIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that very few of these women have work for 20 weeks in any one year, and is it not on that account almost impossible for them to receive any benefit?