§ 7. Mr. PALINGasked the Minister of Labour how many English workers visit Jersey each year to work in the potato and tomato fields; do these workers go under the direction of the Ministry; what wages are they paid; in case of accident are they protected by any form of workmen's compensation; do they have to work under a contract and, if so, on what terms; and whether, on return to this country, they are still held to be eligible for unemployment benefit?
Mr. STANLEYThe number of English workpeople visiting Jersey for work on the potato and tomato crops is approximately 3,000. The employment is under contracts made between the workers and the employers, and the formal responsibility of the Ministry of Labour is confined to the notification of vacancies in accordance with the Labour Exchanges Act: but steps are taken jointly by the Ministry and the Jersey Farmers' Union with the object of facilitating the smooth working of the arrangements. There is at present no provision for workmen's compensation, but I am informed that a Bill providing for this has been passed by the States and is awaiting the Royal Assent. The employment in Jersey does not render a person ineligible for unemployment benefit on his return to England. The wages vary according to the nature of the work, and I am sending the hon. Member leaflets and forms of contract containing the rates of wages and other relevant information. A general account of the arrangements is given in the Ministry of Labour Gazette for December, 1934.
§ Mr. PALINGMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if this form of contract means that they have to sign on for so many weeks or so many months as the case may be, and that if they break the contract they are liable to a fine or imprisonment?
Mr. STANLEYI think that the hon. Member will find out all the details of the contract set out in the materials I am sending him.