§ Mr. BIRDasked whether, in view of the fact that in the case of absence from sickness Members of Parliament, who will not be forced to contribute to a State insurance fund, will still be paid their salaries in full, he will, under the National Insurance Bill, extend the same advantage to workmen and workwomen, from whose earnings insurance contributions are to be compulsorily deducted, of also receiving their wages in full when suffering from illness?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEThe reply is in the negative.
§ Mr. BIRDWill the right hon. Gentleman explain the reason for this disadvantageous treatment of the workman as compared with the well-to-do Member of Parliament?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI could not possibly do that in replying to a question.