HC Deb 24 July 1912 vol 41 c1174
14. Sir ARTHUR MARKHAM

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that Mr. G. Trent, a Folkestone stockbroker, threatened to dismiss his chief clerk, a Mr. Savage, a married man, to whom he was paying a wage of £1 per week, in case Mr. Savage obeyed the law and took out an insurance card in manner provided for under the National Insurance Act; that Mr. Savage refused to disobey the law, and was thereupon dismissed, Mr. Trent at the same time giving Mr. Savage an excellent character, and stating that as Mr. Savage held Radical views His Majesty's Government should find him employment; and will he say what action, if any, the Insurance Commissioners propose taking?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I am not quite clear from the statement in the question whether an offence has been committed. If the hon. Baronet will communicate further particulars, and it appears that an offence has been committed, the Commissioners will at once institute proceedings.

Sir A. MARKHAM

Has the hon. Gentleman any knowledge that any protest against this system of setting the law at defiance and breaking up working men's homes has been made by any Leader of the party opposite?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I have not heard of any such protest.

Mr. JAMES ROWLANDS

Will the hon. Gentleman take steps to inquire into this question and see that the law is obeyed?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I very much hope the hon. Baronet will communicate with me.