§ Mr. T. DAVIESasked the Minister of Labour whether a trade union which has not hitherto paid unemployment pay as one of the benefits provided by the union will be entitled to be regarded as an association under Clause 17 of the Unemployment Insurance Bill upon its complying, on and after 1st October next, with the conditions set out in the proviso to that Clause; and whether a trade union now in process of formation would have the same right, subject to its being in actual operation by 1st October next and to its complying as regards unemployment benefit with the conditions in the before-mentioned proviso?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAAn arrangement under Clause 17 may be made at any time, provided that the requirements of the Clause are satisfied at the date when the arrangement comes into operation. The date of formation of the association or of commencement of unemployment benefit is not otherwise material, and, in particular, it is not necessary that the association should have been in existence or paid unemployment benefit before the Act comes into force.