HC Deb 05 February 1913 vol 47 cc2213-4W
Mr. SNOWDEN

asked the President of the Board of Trade if women employed in subsidiary work in trades included under Part II. the National Insurance Act are to be compulsorily insured against unemployment; and if ho is aware that in the Coventry workshops where women are employed 2½d. a week is being deducted from their wages for unemployment insurance?

Mr. BUXTON

Female workpeople, as well as male workpeople, are included within the scope of the scheme of unemployment insurance if they are employed in an insured trade. The question whether in any particular case they are so employed is one to be determined by the Umpire.

Mr. ORDE-POWLETT

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether a bricklayer, who is an insured person under Part II. of the Act, who is thrown out of work owing to stress of weather, is eligible for unemployment benefit?

Mr. BUXTON

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The answer to the question is, speaking generally, in the affirmative, but of course the workman must comply with the statutory condition that ho is unable to obtain suitable employment, and he must be prepared to take such employment if available.