§ Mr. FELLasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he would state how he will treat the case of young women in factories at piecework who one week may earn less than 1s. 6d. per day, and in another week 2s. or 2s. 6d. per day; and at what rate will the employer contribute weekly for them under the National Insurance Bill?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hobhouse)My right hon. Friend cannot undertake to pronounce upon the interpretation of the Bill in every variety of particular case, but it would appear that under the terms of the Second Schedule, an employer, if he found that the average rate of payment taken, within the limits of any week, cover the days during which employment was given exceeded 1s. 6d. per day, would be entitled to deduct 2d. from the wages, and if the rate exceeded 2s. could deduct 3d.
§ Mr. FELLI believe the Chancellor of the Exchequer has been asked questions which have arisen on this point by people in the country who wish the information so that they may know what to do when the matter arises. Is it 1s. 6d.—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member is repeating exactly the same question.