§ Mr. FALCONERasked what will be the position under the National Insurance Bill of a smallholder who is not employed by an employer during the greater part of the year, but who is so employed for short periods on a large farm; and, if he does not become a voluntary contributor during the period of his non-employment, will he receive no benefit in respect of the contributions made by him and his employer during the period of his employment?
Mr. McKINNON WOODA person in the circumstances described could do one of two things. He could join a society, and in that case he would have when not working for an employer to make a number of contributions necessary to keep him in benefit; or he could become a deposit contributor, in which case he would be provided with medical and sanatorium benefits and such other benefits in sickness as his own contributions, the employer's, and the State grant would reach to.
§ Mr. FALCONERMay I ask whether,, in the events which have been stated by the right hon. Gentleman, the person mentioned in the question will be required to pay not only the 4d. of his own contribution as an employé, but also the 3d. that is supposed to be found by his employer?
Mr. CATHCART WASONMay I ask whether a deposit contributor who is only employed casually is entitled to become a voluntary contributor, as suggested in the question?
Mr. CATHCART WASONThe question is whether a deposit contributor, who is employed only for a few months of the year, if he ceases to become a deposit contributor, is then entitled by reason of his savings to become a voluntary contributor and keep up his payments?
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe had better debate this matter in Committee.