§ 10. Mr. LATHANasked the Minister of Labour whether he is now in a position to state the intentions of the Government as regards giving effect to the recommendations of the Insurance Statutory Committee for the insurance of non-manual workers?
§ 16. Mr. BROOKEasked the Minister of Labour when the necessary legislation will be introduced to implement the recommendation of the Unemployment Statutory Committee that all persons with earnings of less than £400 a year should be brought within the provisions of the Unemployment Insurance Acts; and whether small shopkeepers will be included in any changes which may be made?
§ Mr. E. BROWNI would refer to the reply given to the hon. Member for the English Universities (Miss Rathbone) on 14th July, of which I am sending the hon. Members a copy. I would point out that the Unemployment Insurance scheme is designed to deal only with persons who are under a contract of service.
§ Mr. LATHANDoes the right hon. Gentleman not remember that some months ago he promised to give attention to this matter? Are we to take it that this continued indifference to urgent needs is the measure of interest which the Government have in black-coated workers?
§ Mr. BROWNThere is no indifference at all. I hope to make a statement shortly after the House resumes.
§ Mr. LAWSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that when the Act was going through this House the then Minister of Labour regarded this as an urgent matter, and will he say when a definite decision will be given?
§ Mr. PEATDoes the right hon. Gentleman appreciate the fact that many hon. Members on this side of the House have a keen interest in the position of the black-coated worker and hope that some action will be taken as soon as possible?