HC Deb 14 December 1933 vol 284 cc512-3
10. Mr. YOUNG

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that men employed temporarily by the Middlesbrough Corporation for grass-mowing in the corporation cemeteries have had to be classed as agricultural workers; that the corporation has been debarred from franking their insurance cards; that, in consequence, the men have been disentitled to receive benefit under the Unemployment Insurance Acts, which had they not accepted the work they would have continued to enjoy; and whether he is prepared to compensate the men concerned and to include provisions in the forthcoming legislation to prevent a continuance of such inequalities?

Sir H. BETTERTON

I am making inquiries and will communicate with the hon. Member.

Mr. YOUNG

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some of these men are engaged to cut the grass by the roadside, and that others with similar records are engaged to cut grass on the roads inside the cemetery? The work is identical, yet one is disqualified and the other is not.

Sir H. BETTERTON

It is because I am not aware of any of these things that I am making the inquiries.

Mr. TINKER

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the answer to the whole House, as it is rather important?

Sir H. BETTERTON

Certainly. When I have the answer to it, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.