Mr. MACLEANasked the Minister of Labour whether he has received a number of complaints from a large number of ex-service men in Lewis, whose claims for out-of-work benefit have been refused by the Labour Exchange at Stornoway whether they were informed by the Government in October last that they would receive 20s. per week for 15 weeks from October, 1920, until 31st March, 1921; whether on lodging their claims they have been refused; whether he is aware that, as most of those men are fishermen, they do not come under the scope of the National Insurance Act, and, consequently, have no unemployment insurance cards to show at the Labour Exchange; and whether he will take steps to remedy this grievance?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIn accordance with the ordinary procedure, the claims of these men have been reviewed by the local employment committee. In a1826W number of cases donation has been refused on the ground that, having regard to the conditions normally applying to their occupation, the fishermen cannot properly be regarded as "unemployed" so as to be entitled to donation. Normally in intervals between seasonal fishing expeditions the men are engaged in repairing boats, overhauling nets, gear, etc. I should be glad to have inquiry made in any specific cases.