asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he authorised the publication of a statement to the effect that during the period between April 17th and May 21st and the period between July 7th and October 1st, 1935, the occupiers of agricultural holdings of a poor law valuation exceeding £4, irrespective of their circumstances, shall not be eligible to receive payment of unemployment assistance; whether before deciding to make an order for this purpose under Section 4 of the Unemployment Assistance Act, 1933, he caused an inquiry to be held into the circumstances of persons falling within the category mentioned; and, if so, whether he is aware that a large number of small holders who normally supplement their incomes by entering wage-earning employment are exposed to great hardship if such employment is not available; whether he can state the number of persons, and the number of dependants of such persons who will be affected by the application of the order in question, and whether before issuing the order he is prepared to make available the evidence on which it is based.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Assistance to Small Holders.
It has been decided to prescribe, under Section 4 of the Unemployment Assistance Act, 1933, the periods from the 17th April to the 21st May, 1935, and 17th July to the 1st October, 1935, to be employment periods in respect of landholders whose valuation exceeds £4 and publication of an announcement to this effect was authorised. Before this decision was taken all relevant facts and circumstances were taken into consideration. It will not be possible, until the expiry of the periods in question, to state the number of persons affected and it may not be possible even then. It is not proposed to make available the information referred to in the last part of the question.
Is the Minister satisfied, as a result of specific inquiries made, that all the persons affected by this new order can obtain employment in the areas concerned during the period set out on the order, and if the Minister is so satisfied, is that satisfaction based on any detailed examination and what is the position of persons affected if they are unable to obtain employment locally, and if they are endeavouring to find profitable employment or endeavouring unsuccessfully to exploit their holdings of £4 valuation?
I am satisfied that persons of the classes indicated will not be available for employment during the periods indicated, as they will be engaged in work in connection with their own holdings.
Is the Minister satisfied that there will not be repercussions on local authorities in this matter? Suppose that the people affected do not succeed in getting employment and are thrown back on the rates? The local authorities have their estimates completed and the rates are struck and those matters are left out of the estimates, and has the Minister had any consideration for the position of local authorities?
No person is entitled to receive assistance unless he is available for employment, and it is reasonable to assume that landholders of the valuation concerned will not be available during the periods set out on the order.
Does the Minister consider that it is possible for the holder of a valuation of £4 to receive an income by exploiting his land for 20 weeks?
A person with a valuation of £4 is not affected by the order.
Is the Minister satisfied that a person with a holding valued for £4 5s. can get a living return from that small holding for 20 weeks, because that is the assumption upon which the whole order is based, and if it happens that that person is not able to get an income what is to be his position?
The order is based on the assumption that landholders of a valuation exceeding £4 are not available for employment over these periods.