§ 16. Mr. T. SMITHasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the departmental committee appointed in 1924 to consider the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease recommended that agricultural workers necessarily unemployed through the slaughter of stock should receive from the State the same benefits as they would have received had they been within the scheme of the Unemployment Insurance Act; and whether, in view of this recommendation, he proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ Mr. ELLIOTThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The hon. Member is no doubt aware that the whole question of the insurance of agricultural workers against unemployment is at present being carefully considered by the Government in connection with the recent report of the Unemployment Insurance Statutory Committee.
§ Mr. SMITHCan the right hon. Gentleman not use his influence with the Minister of Labour to expedite the passage into law of this Bill?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI do not think there is any Bill in question.