§ 74. Mr. HICKS BEACHasked what is the position of a man and wife under the National Insurance Act receiving a joint wage of 28s. per week paid to the husband; is the wife bound to become insured; and, if so, at what rate per day are her wages to be calculated?
§ Mr. MASTERMANIn the case stated by the hon. Member the wife will be an employed contributor. In calculating the rate of her wages, regard will be had to the respective services rendered by the man and the wife, and to the rates of wages for men and women respectively prevailing in the occupation in question. Any dispute as to the rate of contribution can be determined by means of a formal application to the Commissioners under Section 66, an application being made through the local Customs and Excise officer (who is usually the pension officer).
§ Mr. HICKS BEACHWho is responsible for the contributions: is the employer or the wife?
§ Mr. MASTERMANIf I understand the question rightly, the employer would be responsible.