HC Deb 22 December 1938 vol 342 cc3060-1
9. Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Minister of Labour whether the inquiry regarding additional winter allowances in the Western Isles has yet been completed; and whether he will make a statement?

Mr. E. Brown

The number of assessments current on 21st November, 1938, for payment of unemployment allowances in the Western Isles in respect of which an additional allowance under the Unemployment Assistance (Winter Additions) Regulations, 1938, has been made was 567.

Mr. MacMillan

Does that number cover all the applications?

Mr. Brown

Yes, Sir. The answer that I promised the hon. Member is the the probable total live load in the whole area on the Board's register, which is 1,912, and that 567 are getting winter allowances.

10. Mr. MacMillan

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a statement on the recent umpire's decision regarding the winter herring season in the Western Isles in relation to unemployed claims?

Mr. Brown

I will send the hon. Member a copy of the relevant decision, the effect of which is that the period of winter fishing in the Stornoway district is regarded by the statutory authorities as part of the off season for women fishworkers in the district.

Mr. MacMillan

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the serious position in which these people will be placed this winter and in future winters if this decision stands? Is he aware that hundreds of people will be suffering not only from unemployment but from having no possible means of support of any kind, and can he do nothing at all about that?

Mr. Brown

I could not accept the last part of the hon. Member's question. As he knows, for some years the seasonal workers' orders have applied to other ports, but the small landing of herring at Stornoway maintains a certain amount of work, and the statutory authorities consider there has been a winter season in the amending order until recently and have now found that that is not so.

Mr. MacMillan

Does not the present position arise out of the failure of the herring industry, and is not the failure of the Government to help the industry to blame for that?

Mr. Brown

I cannot argue that, and, as a matter of fact, the Act was passed in 1931 by the hon. Member's own party.