§ 39. Colonel LOCKWOODasked the Secretary to the Treasury if the waitresses on the Terrace of the House of Commons are to be compulsorily insured, they being only employed here for ten weeks in the year, and in most cases not dependent on such earnings for a living; and, if they are to be insured, who is to pay the 6d. per week for the remaining forty-two weeks?
§ Mr. MASTERMANAny waitress who can show that she has an income or pension of at least £26 a year not dependent on her personal exertions, or that she is ordinarily and mainly dependent for her livelihood on some one else, may apply to the Commissioners for a certificate of exemption, which, when granted, will relieve her, but not her employer, from the 800 payment of contributions. In the absence of such certificate she will be insured as an employed contributor. During the forty-two weeks in the year in which she is not employed at the House of Commons, her employer for the time being will be responsible for the payment of contributions; or if she is unemployed she will be able, if she chooses, to pay the contribution herself, in order to avoid falling into arrears.
§ Colonel LOCKWOODAm I to understand that these waitresses, many of whom do nothing for the remainder of the year, must insure themselves during the time they are employed and are not to be insured for the rest of the year?
§ Mr. MASTERMANIf they do not wish to be insured they can obtain a certificate of exemption, but you will have to pay the employer's contribution.
§ Colonel LOCKWOODAs the hon. Member for Gainsborough and myself are quite unable to persuade these young ladies to insure, perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will receive a deputation.
§ Mr. MASTERMANIf the hon. Member will bring the deputation I shall be pleased to receive it.
§ Mr. CHIOZZA MONEYIs it not clear that as these waitresses are only employed ten weeks in the year they must be wholly or mainly dependent on some other means of livelihood, and therefore can get an exemption certificate?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI have said they can if the facts are as stated.
§ Sir P. MAGNUSWhat becomes of the contribution of the employer?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThat will be allocated to what purposes the Commissioners may determine?
Mr. W. REDMONDHave not some of these ladies been instigated to take this action by titled ladies who are acting in conjunction with the "Daily Mail"?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI may be able to answer that question after I have seen the deputation.
§ Colonel LOCKWOODAre they not exempt as servants in a Royal palace?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI have not thought of the matter from that point of view.