§ 25. Major McMICKINGasked the Minister of Labour whether the question of bringing farm servants within the scope of the Unemployment Insurance Acts is within the terms of reference to the Inter - Departmental Committee recently appointed by him and the Minister of Health to investigate the cost of insurance administration; and whether he is aware that such a proposal would be opposed by a large section of the agricultural community in Scotland?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThis question would not, I think, come within the scope of the Committee. My hon. and gallant Friend may rest assured that if any proposal to include agriculture were made, the employers and employed persons in this industry would be consulted before action was taken.
§ Major McMICKINGWill my right hon. Friend give an undertaking that agricultural workers will not be brought within the scope of the Unemployment Insurance Acts until the consent of this House has been obtained?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAUnder the law I may make an Order including them. But. I certainly should not propose to do so without carefully consulting the parties concerned.