72 and 73. Captain O'NEILLasked (72) whether employed persons, such as domestic servants, insured under the National Insurance Act in Ireland and falling ill during employment in England, are eligible for free medical treatment, drugs, etc., although their contributions have been paid on the reduced Irish scale; whether, in the case of domestic servants employed partly in England and partly in Ireland, contributions under the National Insurance Act are to be paid on the English or the Irish scale; and will he specify separately the conditions for those employed mainly in England, mainly in Ireland, and about equally in both countries, both in the case of members of approved societies and Post Office contributors?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answers I gave to the hon. Member for Totnes and to the Noble Lord the Member for West Derbyshire on the 19th and 23rd July. Contributions are payable at the English rate while the servants are employed in England and at the Irish rate while they are employed in Ireland. While they are in England they will be entitled (under the ordinary conditions) to the ordinary benefits of the Act, including medical benefit (or a money equivalent). While they are in Ireland they will be entitled to the same benefits with the exception of medical benefit. This statement applies whether they are mainly in England or mainly in Ireland, and whether they join approved societies or become deposit contributors. Those who expect to move from one country to the other would do well to join 1358 societies which have branches in both countries.