§ 35. Mr. BRIANTasked the Minister of Labour if his attention has been called to the hardship inflicted on the women cleaners who have been recently discharged from Government offices by reason of the decision of a court of law that they are not eligible for the unemployment grant; and if, in view of the fact that they and the Government believed that they were covered by the Unemployment Act, he will introduce a Bill so as to bring them within the benefits of the Act?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI am aware that as a result of the recent decision of the High Court women cleaners in Government and other offices are not insured against unemployment, and consequently are no longer entitled to unemployment benefit when discharged. As I informed my hon. Friend on Wednesday last, any such person who has paid more in contributions than she has received in benefit may apply for refund of balance. I am not prepared to introduce legislation in the direction suggested by my hon. Friend.