§ Lord CHARLES BERESFORDasked (1) whether, in view of the fact that noncommissioned officers and men of the Army will each have to contribute the sum of 2d. a week under the National Insurance Bill, he will inform the House if it is proposed to abolish the system of hospital stoppages in the Army; and (2) whether, in view of the fact that petty officers, noncommissioned officers, and men of the Royal Navy and Royal Marine Forces will each have to contribute the sum of 2d. a week under the National Insurance Bill, he will inform the House if it is proposed to abolish the system of hospital stoppages in those services?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe contribution of 2d. a week will be required to meet the cost of insuring soldiers and sailors after their discharge. There is no new circumstance which would justify their being given full pay during sickness while in the Service.
§ Lord C. BERESFORDDo I understand that the 2d. will not be compulsory while they are serving in the Army and the Navy?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSENo; it is in order to build up a reserve for them after they have left the Service.
§ Lord C. BERESFORDasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is meant by the term seaman in Clause 36, page 31, line 21, of the National Insurance Bill; whether he is aware that the ratings under the term seaman only amount to twelve; whether he is aware that the men of the Royal Navy, independent of the Royal Marines, are made up of ninety-seven ratings besides what are designated as seamen in the King's regulations and Admiralty instructions; and whether all Naval ratings are included under this heading?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe intention is to include all ratings other than officers and warrant officers.
§ Lord C. BERESFORDWill the right hon. Gentleman put that in the Bill so that there shall be no mistake whatever, because the term "seaman" only includes twelve ratings?
§ Lord C. BERESFORDasked, with reference to Clause 36 of the National Insurance Bill, what sums the Admiralty and Army Council propose to contribute in respect of every seaman, marine and soldier out of the moneys provided by Parliament for Army and Navy services?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe actuaries' report on this subject will be laid on the Table to-day.