HC Deb 03 March 1932 vol 262 cc1246-7
4. Captain PETER MACDONALD

asked the Minister of Labour if he will issue specific instructions to all Employment Exchanges at which hitherto any considerable number of seasonal workers has been registered, to call their attention to the state of the law as it is affecting such seasonal workers, and to suggest to them that they should apply for certificates of exemption?

Sir H. BETTERTON

All claimants are given a copy of leaflet U.I.L. 18, which states, in paragraph 17, the restrictions affecting seasonal workers. As to the second part of the question, I will arrange for each person whose claim is disallowed under these restrictions to be supplied with a copy of leaflet U.I.L. 13, explaining the conditions under which exemption may be obtained by certain seasonal workers. I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of these two leaflets.

Captain MACDONALD

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is very great dissatisfaction in certain areas with the way in which these Regulations are being interpreted by courts of referees in the case of yacht workers who are employed during the summer, but for whom no work is available in the winter months?

Sir H. BETTERTON

As my hon. and gallant Friend knows, I am watching the administration of the Anomalies Act very carefully, and I shall be very glad to hear of any points to which he can draw my attention.

Captain MACDONALD

I will send some cases.

Mr. BUCHANAN

May I ask if the advisory board which was set up has held a meeting to deal with any new points; and, if not, why it is that they have not met?

Sir H. BETTERTON

They have not been called together since the first Regulations were approved. When the time comes when I think it will be advisable that they should be called together again, I shall ask them to meet.