HC Deb 31 May 1911 vol 26 cc1056-7
Mr. JAMES THOMAS

asked whether the employés at a works which is closed down for a week or more at holiday times, who are employed contributors under Part I. of the National Insurance Bill, will be exempt from contributions for such periods; and, if not, whether they will, to avoid falling into arrears, be required to pay the whole of the contributions due in respect of them or whether the employer's portion of such contributions will be recoverable from the employer?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

Contributions can only be paid through the employer in respect of a period during which the contributor is employed. An employed contributor may miss practically 6 per cent. of his contributions without suffering any disadvantage, and may miss any proportion up to 25 per cent. without suffering a complete suspension of benefits.

Mr. JAMES THOMAS

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether workmen in insured trades who, by the closing down of the works in which they are employed for periods of a week or more at holiday or other times, are unable to provide for their maintenance will be regarded as being entitled to unemployment benefit under Part II. of the National Insurance Bill, although they are not specifically discharged from their employment and do not enter into a new contract of service on the reopening of the works; and, if not so regarded, will they be liable to pay contributions during such periods, although they are not in receipt of wages; and will the employer be liable to pay his portion of the contributions due in respect of such workmen; and what steps does he propose to take to ensure the collection of such contributions?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Buxton)

Workmen who are unemployed in the circumstances mentioned in the question would be entitled to draw unemployment benefit provided that the other conditions entitling them to benefit are fulfilled in their case. I may remind my hon. Friend that benefit will not be payable during the first week of a period of unemployment. Neither work-people nor employers would be liable to pay contributions in respect of such periods as those referred to.