HC Deb 24 July 1922 vol 157 cc25-6
70. Mr, W. THORNE

asked the Minister of Labour if he has seen the decision given in the High Court on 7th July in the case of three employés of Messrs. Self-ridge; is he aware that the case was referred to the Court by the Minister of Labour in order to decide the question of their insurability under the Unemployment Insurance Acts; that the judge decided that the male and female window cleaners were insurable; and, since the decision comes into conflict with the Scottish case about school caretakers, has he consulted the Law Officers of the Crown about the matter?

The MINISTER of LABOUR (Dr. Macnamara)

I am aware of the decision given in the case of the three employés of Messrs. Selfridge and Company, Limited, which I referred to the High Court for decision as to their insurability. I have not been able to identify the Scottish case about school caretakers to which my hon. Friend refers, and I am not aware that there is a conflict of decisions. In accordance with the terms of the Act, the insurability of persons classed as domestic servants depends on whether or not they are employed in a trade or business carried on for the purposes of gain.