HC Deb 20 June 1911 vol 27 cc136-7
Mr. HUNT

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that many men and women can only obtain irregular employment two or three days each week, he can say whether these casual workers will be compelled to pay from one penny to threepence each week under the National Insurance Bill?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Lloyd George)

A person engaged in casual employment for the purpose of his employer's trade or business will be an employed contributor under the National Health Insurance.

Mr. HUNT

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how these poor people will be able to pay from one penny to threepence per week when the Government still holds that part of half a farthing extra on the 4-lb. loaf would mean misery and starvation.

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

The hon. Gentleman has entered upon two very controversial topics, neither of which could be dealt with except by himself in the course of a few minutes.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

In the event of these poor people's wages being under 15s. per week are they expected to pay the full contribution or under the graduated scale?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

Under the graduated scale, if their wages are under 15s.

Sir RANDOLF BAKER

Will the employer have to pay for two, three or four days, or for how many days?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

In the case of casual labourers the employer who employs the labourer on the first day of the week will have to pay.