HC Deb 17 February 1938 vol 331 cc2044-5
23. Mr. Maxwell

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that considerable inequity is caused by the provision that agricultural workers who have exhausted their benefit rights in a particular benefit year are ineligible for benefit until 10 fresh contributions have been made; that this provision is leading to the anomaly that certain agricultural workers are unable to claim any benefit whatever in respect of as much as 38 good contributions; and what steps he is taking to remedy this grievance?

Mr. E. Brown

I am aware that in certain types of cases an anomalous position may arise owing to this rule and consideration is being given to the matter at this moment.

Mr. T. Williams

Is not the right hon. Gentleman willing to tell the House that, if this anomaly does exist whereby the agricultural worker is put under pains and penalties under his Act, he will find a remedy?

Mr. Brown

I have said that it is under consideration at this moment. I expect a recommendation in the report which is due in a fortnight.

Mr. Williams

Is the right hon. Gentleman depending on the Statutory Committee to make a recommendation?

Mr. Brown

I have asked the Committee to consider its implications. The structure of the Agricultural Fund is a difficult one, and we have tried to see how we can remedy the anomalies.

24. Mr. Maxwell

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will attempt to find a method whereby a worker's contributions in respect of general unemployment insurance and of agricultural unemployment insurance can be added together in such a manner as to render a contributor eligible for benefit under one scheme or the other in cases where he has not made sufficient contributions to either separate scheme to enable him to obtain benefit?

Mr. Brown

I am afraid that I cannot add to my reply on this subject last Thursday to the hon. Member for Barnard Castle (Mr. Sexton),

Mr. Maxwell

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that it is bad for insurance principles in general that a man can contribute as many as 48 good contributions without getting any benefit?

Mr. Brown

That is another point. I am not proposing to deal with the general question but to that referred to in the previous question.

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