HC Deb 11 February 1930 vol 235 cc251-2W
Viscount ELMLEY

asked the Minister of Labour if she will take steps to place fishermen who work on drifters on an equality with regard to unemployment insurance with fishermen who work on trawlers?

Miss BONDFIELD

The Unemployment Insurance Acts do not apply to members of the crews of fishing vessels who are wholly remunerated by a share in the profits or the gross earnings of the working of the vessel. Except in so-far as this provision may be operative, the Acts draw no distinction between fishermen who work on drifters and those who work on trawlers. The provision is statutory and cannot therefore be altered without fresh legislation.