HC Deb 24 May 1949 vol 465 cc1049-50
43. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether he is aware that his regulations treat a ship's captain who goes on a legitimate and agreed temporary holiday as an unemployed person; and as this practice inflicts hardship and injustice on such captains, if he will amend his regulations in this respect.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Liability to pay contributions during holidays varies according to the circumstances, and I should want to know all the particulars before I could say what the position is in a particular case. If my hon. Friend has a case in mind and cares to let me have the details, I will look into it.

Mr. Hughes

Does my right hon. Friend recollect the case of Captain David Baxter of Footdee, Aberdeen, about which I have had some correspondence with his Department? Will he address his mind to that case with a view to giving me a satisfactory answer?

Mr. Griffiths

I will look at the case again and reply again to my hon. and learned Friend.