HC Deb 09 May 1911 vol 25 cc1038-9
Mr. BOOTH

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the interruption to the Debate on the First Reading of the National Insurance Bill, lie will give ample time for discussion on the Second Reading; and whether, in view of the great complexity of the proposals, he will postpone that stage until after the Whitsuntide recess?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Lloyd George)

I hope the time given for discussion on the Second Reading of the Bill will be found ample. A postponement of that stage until after the Whitsuntide recess might endanger the chances of the Bill passing this Session, a result which I feel sure my hon. Friend would not desire.

Mr. WORTHINGTON - EVANS

Will the right hon. Gentleman divide the Bill into two parts for the Second Reading? It is almost impossible to deal with it in one?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I am not sure that the Government have the power to do that even if they so desire.

Mr. BOOTH

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will lay upon the Table any actuarial data and reports of Commissioners who have visit ed Germany and any other Papers giving the materials upon which the National Insurance Bill has been based?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I will refer my hon. Friend to the replies which I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Leicester and the Barnard Castle Division.

Mr. BOOTH

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that he only promised to give information as to the views of the German employers? Will he supplement that with the views of German workmen?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I rather think that they are contained in the report laid on the table. I am indeed certain they are, and if my hon. Friend will look into that report he will find the German workmen's views fully set forth.

Mr. HUNT

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that the new scheme to provide against sickness and unemployment will increase the cost of production in this country to the amount of about three or four or more per cent., and that working people as well as employers will have to pay towards this cost he can now see his way to making importers of foreign goods pay as much in import duties as our own working people and employers have to pay in rates and taxes.

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I cannot accept the accuracy of the hon. Member's premises or the economics of his conclusion.

Mr. HUNT

Are we to understand that the right hon. Gentleman considers there will be no increased cost of production under his scheme? Or are we to take it that, however much this will increase the cost of taxation which our people will have to pay for goods in their own market it will be impossible under Free Trade to make the foreigner pay anything?

Mr. SPEAKER

Perhaps the hon. Member will give notice of that question.