HC Deb 22 November 1911 vol 31 cc1179-80
Mr. LYELL

asked whether, under the provisions of the National Insurance Bill, an insured person who had been sentenced to a term of five years' penal servitude would, on release, be liable to pay any portion of the arrears which had accrued?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

Interruption of employment owing to imprisonment will not be treated differently from interruption of employment due to any other cause.

Mr. LYELL

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the total loss incurred by an insured person previous to release does not involve a very substantial addition to the penalty?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

He is no worse off than anyone else who has omitted to pay his contribution.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

Even if he has to pay both the employer's and the employé's contribution?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

If there is no employer, obviously the insured person cannot get the employer's contribution paid for him.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

Is he better off than any other member of the community?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

Certainly not. He is neither better nor worse off.

Mr. LYELL

May I ask whether the insurance fund during the five years has not been freed from all liability?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

Yes, I think that is so.