HC Deb 19 July 1912 vol 41 cc683-4
43. Captain CLIVE

asked whether a man employed in painting buildings for six months in the summer will be considered as engaged in the construction or repair of buildings and therefore require to be insured under Part II. of the National Insurance Act; and, if he fails to get other employment in the winter, will he be entitled to unemployment pay during that six months?

Mr. ROBERTSON

In the case mentioned by the hon. Member the workman would be liable to contributions during the six months of employment in painting buildings and would be entitled to benefit thereafter when unemployed for the periods allowed by the Act. As the hon. Member is doubtless aware, a workman's claim to unemployment benefit is limited by the number of his contributions in the proportion of one week's benefit for five week's contributions.

Mr. C. BATHURST

If such a person ceased to paint buildings or greenhouses, as is not uncommon, and took to painting gates or railings, would he continue to be an insured person?

Mr. ROBERTSON

Perhaps the hon. Member will give me notice.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

If one of these rural workers, after having contributed to unemployed pay for some time, ceases to be a carpenter and becomes an ordinary estate servant, will he be allowed to get unemployment pay for the contributions he paid when he was a carpenter?

Mr. ROBERTSON

He will get unemployment pay solely under the conditions and limitations prescribed in the Act.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

Am I to understand that he pays these contributions for nothing?

Mr. ROBERTSON

That may happen in any insurance system.