HC Deb 09 May 1935 vol 301 cc1116-7
8. Captain HEILGERS

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now in a position to make any statement in regard to unemployment insurance for agricultural workers?

Mr. STANLEY

No, Sir.

Captain HEILGERS

Will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to make a statement at an early date?

Mr. STANLEY

I cannot give an exact date, but I hope before long.

Mr. T. SMITH

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that it is the intention of the Government to bring in the Bill sufficiently early to enable it to operate next winter?

Mr. STANLEY

In reply to a previous question, I have said that it is impossible to dissociate consideration of this Bill from a consideration of the appointed day under the Unemployment Insurance Act.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is it not possible for the right hon. Gentleman, without committing himself to the details of the Bill, to make a statement of the Government's intention to introduce legislation on the subject, and make the statement at an early date?

Mr. STANLEY

If my hon. and gallant Friend will put down a question in a few days time, I may be in a position to answer it.