HC Deb 20 February 1929 vol 225 cc1127-8
58. Mr. KELLY

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether groundsmen have been appointed at all the aerodromes of the Royal Air Force, and, in cases where they have been appointed, whether they do similar work to that they performed when employed as labourers and paying unemployment contributions; and, seeing that as groundsmen they have been informed that unemployment insurance contributions are not payable, what provision will be made for the men in the event of their becoming unemployed?

Sir S. HOARE

As regards the first part of the question, the appointment of groundsmen at all Royal Air Force aerodromes has been authorised, and the posts either have been or are being filled. The appointments are filled locally, subject to Air Ministry approval of the candidates' qualifications, and I have no information whether any of the men selected were employed as labourers on similar work prior to their appointment as groundsmen. It is not improbable that there have been such cases. As regards the second part, in view of the nature of the employment the men are not required to be insured under the Unemployment Insurance Acts, and are, therefore, in the same position as other employés who are outside the scope of the Act and for whom provision is not made in the event of their becoming unemployed.

Mr. KELLY

In view of the hardship that is inflicted upon these men, will the right hon. Gentleman go into this matter again, and see whether or not the Ministry of Labour do insist upon these people not being insured?

Sir S. HOARE

I am told that it is a matter of Statute, under the Unemploy- ment Insurance Act. We have not any power to bring them under that Act.

Mr. KELLY

While I do not want to dispute the right hon. Gentleman's statement here, may I ask if he will go into the matter again?

Sir S. HOARE

I will certainly consult my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour.