§ 32. Mr. PEARSONasked the Minister of Health when he is likely to introduce legislation to safeguard the position of those whose pension rights and medical benefits are being affected by prolonged unemployment?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Sir Hilton Young)I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a similar question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Wallsend (Miss Ward) yesterday.
§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESIs the right hon. Gentleman able to tell us whether the Bill which is to be introduced will cover the case where members have already lapsed from membership of approved societies as well as those whose rights are likely to be affected by prolonged unemployment?
§ Sir H. YOUNGThe hon. Gentleman will recognise that I must not make a partial statement as to the contents of a Bill before it is introduced.
§ 5. Mr. DENMAN (for Sir THOMAS ROSBOTHAM)asked the Minister of Labour whether agricultural workers will be brought under a special scheme of unemployment insurance at an early date; and whether he is aware that thousands of these workers will be thrown out of employment if the majority report of the Sugar Beet Commission is adopted?
Mr. STANLEYI have dealt with the first part of the question in reply to earlier questions to-day. As regards the second part I am aware that the sugar beet industry gives employment to some thousands of workers in this country. I can assure my hon. Friend that this and all other relevant considerations will be borne in mind by the Government in deciding upon the question of future sugar beet policy.