HC Deb 04 July 1935 vol 303 cc1982-3
7. Mr. T. SMITH

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is intended to introduce legislation during the present Session extending unemployment insurance to agricultural workers?

Mr. E. BROWN

I am afraid I cannot add anything at present to the answer given on this subject by my predecessor on 16th May.

Mr. SMITH

Are we to take it, then, that there is no intention on the part of the Government to introduce legislation this Session; and, if that be so, will the right hon. Gentleman say what the Government intend to do in regard to unemployment in agriculture during the coming winter?

Mr. BROWN

If the hon. Member will study the answer to which I have referred him, he will see that a decision on, the principle has been made, but that my right hon. Friend then said—and I cannot add anything to it—that he was not in a position to say when legislation would be introduced.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that this proposal has long been before the Ministry of Labour; and, if any decision is going to be taken on this very belated matter, will he tell the House when it is likely to be taken?

Mr. BROWN

A decision has been taken.

Mr. G. GRIFFITHS

Does not the right hon. Gentleman know that principle will not pay those people who are out of work?