§ 2. Mr. Dyeasked the Minister of National Insurance whether, in view of the Insurance Commissioners' decision 659 in the case of Mrs. A. Bridges, Wiggenhall, St. Germans, classified as a seasonal worker, she will review the cases of all other women farm workers whose conditions of work and unemployment are similar and who have not received unemployment benefit under the Seasonal Workers' Regulations.
§ Dr. SummerskillI do not think that any question of reviewing other cases arises. The decision referred to turned on the facts of the particular case and does not appear to establish any new principle.
§ Mr. DyeDoes not my right hon. Friend realise that, on the same farm, there are women whose conditions of work and time of unemployment are precisely the same as those of the lady referred to in the Question? How can she, as a lady, make chalk of one and cheese of another of women who are working and living side by side? Surely if their conditions are the same there should be the same chance to review the cases.
§ Dr. SummerskillI think the hon. Gentleman was suggesting that a new principle had been established and that I should apply it to all seasonal workers throughout the country. It may be that there are one or two workers on the same farm whose conditions might conform to those of this woman, but that is a coincidence. No new principle has been established.
§ Dr. SummerskillEvery case which comes before the local committee will, of course, be considered on its merits.
§ Dr. SummerskillAs the hon. Gentleman knows, there is a local appeal tribunal.