HC Deb 08 May 1930 vol 238 cc1098-100
6. Miss LEE

asked the Minister of Labour when she proposes to introduce legislation with a view to including domestic service and agricultural work as insurable occupations?

30. Mr. GOULD

asked the Minister of Labour what progress has been made in regard to the provision of unemployed insurance for agricultural workers; and when she expects to be able to make an announcement thereon?

Miss BONDFIELD

As regards domestic service, I have no proposals at present in contemplation for the extension of the unemployment insurance scheme to cover such domestic servants as are excluded by the present Acts. As regards agriculture, I would refer my hon. Friends to the reply which I gave on 1st May to the hon. Member for Crewe (Mr. Bowen).

Miss LEE

Is the right hon. Lady aware that many women have been forced into domestic service who previously have had years of service and insurance in other industries, and that they are now unable to get back to their former jobs or yet to claim insurance benefit, and cannot something be done to press forward this legislation?

Miss BONDFIELD

If my hon. Friend has any specific cases, I shall be glad if she will let me have details of them.

Sir ASSHETON POWNALL

Is there any appreciable amount of unemployment in domestic service?

Mr. BROCKWAY

Have any further steps been taken regarding the possibility of the insurance of agricultural workers?

Miss BONDFIELD

There is another question on the Paper.

Sir NAIRNE STEWART SANDEMAN

Is the supply of domestic servants up to the demand?

Miss BONDFIELD

No, the demand still exceeds the supply.

Miss LEE

The question is not one of domestic service. The question is that girls in insurable occupations are forced against their will into domestic service and thereby cut out, of benefit.

16. Mr. MANDER

asked the Minister of Labour what steps have been taken to carry out the Report of the Committee on Domestic Service, 1923, suggesting that the artificial distinction between various types of domestic workers should be obliterated as far as possible by bringing all female domestic workers, wherever employed, under a scheme of insurance in addition to national health insurance; and that, in the case of women and girls in private domestic employment, there should be as an alternative to unemployment benefit a scheme whereby a pension of 15s. a week should be obtainable at the age of 55 and should continue until the old age pension becomes payable, when it should be reduced by the amount of that pension, and that contributors to the pension scheme should have the option of a cash payment on marriage in lieu of pension?

Miss BONDFIELD

I do not contemplate the extension of unemployment insurance to private domestic service. I would remind the hon. Member that the suggestion of the Committee on Domestic Service as regards pensions has been met to some extent by the provision of pensions at the age of 65 for persons insured under the National Health Insurance Act.

Mr. MANDER

Have the Government any policy at all for domestic service?

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