§ 60. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Labour if the Government have arrived at a decision regarding the inclusion of agricultural workers in unemployment insurance?
§ 61. Mr. BUCHANANasked the Minister of Labour if he is in a position to state if the report of the Commission on Unemployment Insurance has yet been received by him; and, if not, can he state if any special reasons have arisen as to the delay in producing this report?
Mr. HUDSONThe report of the Royal Commission has not yet been received, and, pending its receipt, it is not practicable to consider whether new classes should be included in the scheme. So far as I am. aware, there is no reason why the report has not yet been made other than the very difficult problems—especially in present circumstances—with which the Royal Commission have to deal, coupled, I have no doubt, with their desire to deal with the subject thoroughly.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSHas the hon. Member any idea when the report is likely to be presented?
§ Mr. BUCHANANSeeing that the Government have been expecting this report for some time, will the hon. Member give us the reason why it is not yet forthcoming?
Mr. HUDSONThe hon. Member must understand that my right hon. Friend has no control over the deliberations of this Commission.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs the wrangle in this Commission to go on for ever and Parliament to be held up while this inside row is proceeding? Why cannot we get the report?
§ Mr. BUCHANANThe hon. Member is aware that I have no responsibility in the matter. In view of the fact that we have all been waiting for some time for this report, cannot the hon. Member take any steps to expedite it?
§ Mr. THORNECan the hon. Member convey the information to the Royal Commission that there is grave dissatisfaction about this matter?
§ Mr. WILLIAMSHas my hon. Friend invited the Commission to expedite their report?
Mr. HUDSONI think they are getting on with it as fast as they can, having regard to the difficult problems with which they have to deal.