§ 86. Sir J. D. REESasked whether the compulsory collections under the National Insurance Act are to be continued, notwithstanding the inability of the Government to provide medical or sanatorium benefits?
§ Mr. BOOTHBefore the right hon. Gentleman answers this question, may I ask whether it is not a fact that over fifty persons are in one sanatorium under the jurisdiction of the Middlesex County Committee, and that some of them have been there since the middle of August?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI think that that is so. I believe there are many hundreds of people in sanatoria. I know of no reason why contributions should not be continued and benefits forthcoming as provided by the Act.
§ Sir J. D. REESDoes the right hon. Gentleman consider that the instances now given amount to a general provision of sanatorium benefit?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe hon. Gentleman in his question says something about the inability of the Government to provide medical or sanatorium benefit. There is no such inability.
§ 87. Sir J. D. REESasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, on account of his erroneous calculations in regard to cost, employers and employed who have paid their taxes under the National Insurance Act in respect of sanatoria are now to be called upon to pay part of such cost in their capacity as ratepayers also?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe answer is in the negative.
§ Sir J. D. REESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is calculated that this will amount to a farthing on the rates in Nottingham?
§ Mr. MASTERMANNo ratepayer is called upon to bear any charge on the rates that the representatives of the ratepayers do not wish them to bear.