§ 3. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he is aware that the present regulations relating to seasonal workers operate harshly in requiring them to continue to pay contributions during the off-season when they are unavoidably idle and without incomes; if he will take steps to amend the regulations so as to ameliorate their condition; and if he will make a statement clarifying the position, obligations and benefits of such persons.
§ Miss PittThe main Regulations dealing with the contributions and benefits of seasonal workers were made in 1950 on the advice of the National Insurance Advisory Committee. The Committee's view, with which my right hon. Friend agrees, was that seasonal workers cannot be regarded for National Insurance purposes as unemployed during their off-season unless additional conditions were satisfied. As regards the last part of the Question I do not think such a statement is possible within the tolerable limits of a Parliamentary Answer, but I am sending the hon. and learned Member an explanatory leaflet.