§ Mr. WILKIEI beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the Treasury a question, of which I have given him private notice, namely: Whether he is aware that firms have posted notices that no workman will be employed on and after 15th July unless he produces his contribution cards under Parts I. and II. of the National Insurance Act, 1911? Is he aware that firms are stating that they have been forced to issue such notice? If this is so, will he state by whose authority such instructions have been issued? In view of Circular A.S. 41, 226 issued by the Commissioners, and the difficulty in obtaining cards from the Commissioners, will he issue such instructions as will obviate any stoppage of work?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI am not aware of such notices being posted, but it is the duty of workmen to obtain cards, which they can do without difficulty from any Post Office or from their approved societies. No pressure has been placed on any employers to adopt the course suggested in the question, but any employer is within his rights in warning his employés that they will be required to produce cards when wages are paid. If they do not, their employers can obtain for them either ordinary cards from the Commissioners or emergency cards from the Post Office.
§ Mr. WILKIEAre employers justified in asserting that they will not employ workmen after a given date if the card is not produced?
§ Mr. MASTERMANIt depends on the contract between employers and workmen. There is no reason why they should not employ the men after that date.
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe employers can get as many cards as they wish for emergency or ordinary occupation.
§ Mr. MASTERMANIt is the duty of the employers to stamp the card, and they can get as many cards as they like.