§ 14. Sir A. SINCLAIRasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he proposes to take steps to ascertain at first hand the wishes of the farm servants of Scotland in regard to the adoption of the proposed scheme for bringing agricultural workers within a scheme of unemployment insurance?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI presume that the right hon. and gallant Baronet has in mind the possibility of a plebiscite. I doubt whether anything in the nature of a plebiscite would be practicable; but since the publication of the report of the Unemployment Insurance Statutory Committee I have been making inquiries with a view to ascertaining the views of Scottish farm servants and I also understand that their views were represented before the committee.
§ Sir A. SINCLAIRIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that he is quite wrong in supposing that I mean a plebiscite; and is it not possible to get effective consultation with these farm servants; and when are his inquiries likely to be completed so that action may follow?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI have been making inquiries from those who are in a position to inform me on the subject. As to the latter part of the question, I am afraid I cannot add anything to what the Government have already said on this method.
§ Sir IAN MACPHERSONWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of receiving a deputation from the farm servants?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI shall be very glad at any time to receive a deputation on the subject,
§ Mr. BUCHANANBefore doing anything, will the right hon. Gentleman seriously consider avoiding any differentiation in this matter between farm servants in Scotland and those in England?
§ Lord SCONEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a great body of farm servants in Scotland who are definitely opposed to any such scheme?
§ Mr. KIRKWOODMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman a further question—
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe have had several questions already on the subject.