§ 34. Sir ARTHUR FELLasked the Minister of Labour if the share fishermen who are not included in the national insurance scheme can be included in the scheme by an Order in Council; and, if this cannot be done expeditiously so as 1315 to help them in the exceedingly bad times they are passing through, will he take action in the matter?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAShare fishermen at present excluded cannot without amending legislation be brought into the Unemployment Insurance Scheme in such a way as to become entitled to immediate benefit. The exclusion of shave fishermen was pressed upon me when the 1920 Act was before Parliament, and I am afraid I do not see my way to propose an amendment of the Act for the purpose of reversing the decision then taken.
§ Sir A. FELLIf these men made a mistake some time ago, cannot it be rectified, and has the opinion of the Law Officers been taken as to whether that cannot be done by an Order in Council?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI think there is no doubt that an amendment of the law-would be necessary. I ought perhaps to say that endeavour has been made to find relief work.