§ 5. Mr. Baldwinasked the Minister of National Insurance how many seasonal 2076 workers are registered in Herefordshire; how many have applied for unemployment pay; how many claims have been refused; and what is the estimated contribution of each worker towards the unemployment fund in 12 months.
§ Dr. SummerskillOn 10th March there were 14 persons registered as unemployed who appeared to be seasonal workers. Ten had made claims for benefit, of which one has been disallowed. As regards the last part of the Question, I am not clear what the hon. Member has in mind; perhaps he will write to me.
§ 6. Mr. Goochasked the Minister of National Insurance how many claims for unemployment benefit have been made by women agricultural workers in England and Wales since the National Insurance (Seasonal Workers) Regulation came into force; and how many have been allowed.
§ Dr. SummerskillI regret that this information is not available, but figures relating to women agricultural workers now on the unemployed register are being obtained, and I will write to my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. GoochDoes not my right hon. Friend agree that we have got to play the game by these women workers, or they will not be there when they are badly wanted?
§ Dr. SummerskillI think that when my hon. Friend examines the answer he will not be disappointed.
§ Commander MaitlandDoes the right hon. Lady not realise that there are nearly 3,000 of these women in Lincolnshire, and does not that very large concentration indicate that seasonal work is a vital necessity in certain parts of England in carrying on agriculture properly?
§ Dr. SummerskillYes, certainly, and every claim is carefully examined.