HC Deb 09 December 1937 vol 330 cc543-4
13. Mr. T. Williams

asked the Minister of Labour the estimated cost of abolishing the six days' waiting period in the agricultural unemployment insurance scheme, and also the estimated cost of reducing the waiting period to three days?

Mr. E. Brown

On such assumptions as can be made on the basis of unemployment so far experienced under the Agricultural Insurance Scheme, it is estimated that the cost of abolishing the waiting period of six days would be at an annual rate not exceeding £100,000, and that the cost of reducing the waiting period to three days would be at an annual rate not exceeding £40,000.

Mr. Williams

As there is a surplus of approximately £2,000,000 in the fund and agricultural labourers with their very low wages can less afford this waiting period, will the right hon. Gentleman invite the committee to make a recommendation on the lines of the question?

Mr. Brown

The hon. Member knows that the committee itself is taking evidence on the point, and I have no doubt that evidence will be given in regard to this matter. The point is that the payment of benefits to agricultural workers did not commence until November, 1936.

Mr. Williams

But as approximately there is a surplus of £2,000,000 in the fund, will the right hon. Gentleman expedite the committee's investigation of this problem?

Mr. Brown

The committee, I have no doubt, will do its statutory duty, examine the facts, take evidence and make its report.

Mr. George Griffiths

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that six days is too long for agricultural workers to wait?