§ Mr. NEWMANasked whether, in the case of an Irish occupying tenant or owner of a holding worth more than £20 per annum and who is aided by the labour of
§ any child or young person under sixteen to whom no wages are paid, he can state the immediate benefits that such children or young people will obtain in respect of the 7d. or 6d. to be paid by their employer, seeing that they already enjoy a free medical service; and whether, in the case of those subsequently emigrating on reaching adolescence, any sum that stands to their credit will be retained for the benefit of Irish contributors and approved members, or will it be pooled in the national fund to be administered from the central office in London?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEExcept so far as medical attendance and sanatorium benefit are concerned the Bill does not aim at providing immediate benefits for persons under sixteen. To exempt them from contributions would, of course, give a preference to the employment of child-labour, a preference which public sentiment would certainly not approve. It should be remembered that their contributions, so far as not required for immediate benefits, will be accumulated towards the extinction of the initial deficit; and I may point out that the youngest contributors will ultimately profit most by the increased benefits that can be given when the deficit is extinguished. The disposal of the transfer values paid over on the emigration of a contributor is to be prescribed by regulations, and it would be within the power of the Insurance Commissioners to take either of the courses indicated in the latter portion of the question.
§ Mr. NEWMANCan we see the regulations before the Bill goes through?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEThat is a matter I am quite willing to consider. Perhaps the hon. Member will raise it at the appropriate moment.