HC Deb 04 December 1911 vol 32 cc1024-5
Mr. HUNT

asked whether, in view of the fact that many foreign waiters work here for their food and lodging, without wages, relying on gratuities from customers, they would pay anything under the National Insurance Bill; and what would their employers pay?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

The employer will pay 7d. a week, and will recover from the waiter 4d. a week, or a lesser sum if the value of the latter's daily remuneration, calculated in accordance with regulations made by the Insurance Commissioners, does not exceed 2s. 6d.

Mr. HUNT

Is it not laid down in the Bill that if no wages are paid the workman or workwoman will have nothing to pay?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

Yes, that is quite consistent with my answer.

Mr. PIKE PEASE

If no wages are paid how can anything be deducted?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

The hon. Gentleman is obviously right.

Mr. PIKE PEASE

Then will not the Bill cause people to employ, if possible, foreign waiters?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

That is a matter of argument and opinion.

Mr. HUNT

Will foreign waiters have to pay 4d. when they have no wages, and will English waiters pay nothing?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

No. I do not understand the Bill in that sense.

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