§ 15. Mr. LOGANasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that men have been sent from Ormskirk Employment Exchange to various farms in the district to be engaged on pea-picking; that, in addition to having to travel six to 10 miles at their own expense, the men have been receiving for this work wages amounting to 9d. per hamper of 40 lbs.; that in some cases it took 2¾ hours to fill a hamper, and that in another case it took a man half a day to earn 1s.; that some of the men have been denied unemployment benefit for refusing to continue at such low wages; and whether he will have inquiries made into the matter?
§ Mr. LOGANIs not the Minister aware that it is illegal for such a decision to be given in regard to the rate of pay?
Mr. HUDSONMy right hon. Friend is not concerned with the rate of pay. The question whether a man refuses 1967 reasonable employment is one for the court of referees, over which my right hon. Friend has no control.
Mr. HUDSONI am not prepared to accept the statements in the question until I have made inquiries, but, even if the facts were as stated, it is a matter for the court of referees and not for any official of the Department.