§ Sir L. LYLEasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that in about a fortnight's time pea-picking operations will begin in Essex; that in previous years there have been a large number of people in receipt of unemployment donation who have not; been willing to accept offers of such work; and whether, on this occasion, he will ensure the provision of labour, even should such a step be necessary, by stopping unemployment pay in those districts where the workers will not come forward?
§ Mr. SHAWI understand the pea-picking harvest in Essex has begun. Last year, in a number of cases in which work on pea-picking was refused by persons on benefit, the chief insurance officer decided that benefit could not be disallowed on this account. I have no authority to issue an instruction that benefit is to be disallowed or allowed, but each case of refusal of this work which arises will be duly considered. Generally, I should like to point out that this work is very uncertain, and that a person without experience or special aptitude would have difficulty in earning more than a very small wage. The ordinary practice of the farmers is to engage their labour from local residents or casual workers who come into the district for the work. Vacancies are usually not notified to the Exchanges until after the ordinary supplies have failed, and there is, apparently, no security that workers sent forward by the Exchanges will not find the vacancies filled. For these reasons, it is difficult under 1997W present circumstances for the Exchanges to meet a shortage of labour, should it arise, but they will do everything they can.