§ 60. Mr. WATTasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the employés of the Commissioners of the Crinan Canal, in Argyllshire, which is a Government-owned canal, are in precisely the same position as regards half-pay when temporarily invalided and when permanently incapacitated by old age as they were before the passing of the National Insurance Act, or whether that Act has put them in a worse position financially?
§ Mr. MASTERMANMy hon. Friend puts his question in general terms, and I should be glad to know in what respect he considers that the employés he refers to have been injuriously affected by the National Insurance Act., when I would communicate with the Commissioners. As I informed him on 21st October, they will be entitled to 5s. a week disablement benefit if they are incapable of work under the ordinary conditions of the Insurance Act; and pensions for long service will not be discontinued in consequence of the Act.