Viscountess ASTORasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that under Section 2 of the Unemployment Insurance (Anomalies Regulation) Act, 1931, many hotel waiters, because of the seasonal nature of their employment, may be disallowed benefit under the Unemployment Insurance Act even though they have paid regular contributions into the fund equal in number to those which entitle a casual worker to receive standard benefit; and whether he will take steps to remedy this?
Mr. HUDSONRegulation 2 of the Unemployment Insurance Anomalies Regulations, 1931, applies to persons whose normal employment is in an occupation or occupations of a seasonal nature. It follows closely the recommendation made by the Royal Commission, and while I have undertaken to watch the way in which it works, I am not prepared to alter it at present.