§ 14. Mr. T. Fraserasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance, if he aware of the hardship caused to Mr. James Deans, 38, Albert Drive, Larkhall, Lanarkshire, a disabled ex-miner, by his being denied unemployment benefit under the Seasonal Workers Regulations; and if he will amend the regulations to exclude this class of worker from their provisions.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI have been into this case, in which, as the hon. Member knows, this gentleman's appeal was dismissed 940 by the National Insurance Commissioner. In view, however, of the other benefits now being received by him, I cannot accept that this has resulted in hardship, and my answer to the last part of the Question is No, Sir.
§ Mr. FraserWill the right hon. Gentleman have another look at this case? Here is a man who has been in regular employment and paid insurance contributions for nearly 50 years, but because of his disability and the high level of unemployment in the area in which he resides it has not been possible for the Minister of Labour to offer him any kind of employment, and because on his own initiative he has found employment in the summer months he is being penalised by having his unemployment benefit withheld in the winter months?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe hon. Gentleman said that in his letter to my hon. Friend, but I am afraid that it is wrong. The gentleman in question improved his position in respect of unemployment benefit by the work he did, otherwise he would have been out of benefit as this is not a benefit of indeterminate duration. I do not want, unless I am pressed, to give the figures as to what this gentleman is getting, but he is not doing too badly.
§ Mr. FraserAs the right hon. Gentleman is not prepared to give the figures, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.