§ Mr. T. HENDERSONasked the-Minister of Labour whether he is aware that gardeners and horticulturists employed by public authorities are now 1047W declared to be outside the scope of the Unemployment Insurance Act, and that great uncertainty exists regarding the position of men employed as general labourers by the various parks departments, and on a, temporary basis, as to whether they come under this decision, and will he make a statement on the matter?
§ Mr. BETTERTONEmployment in agriculture, including horticulture and1048W forestry, has always been excepted from the scope of the Unemployment Insurance Acts. Men employed as general labourers in the parks department of a public authority are normally held to be covered by this exception, whether they are employed on a permanent basis or not. There may be exceptions to this general rule, but such cases can be dealt with only in the light of their particular circumstances.