30. MARQUESS Of TULLIBARDINEasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the recent statements made by him regarding crofters and gillies, the reply given by his predecessor on 22nd November, 1911, to the hon. Member for Sutherland that a crofter can contribute less than 7d. per week under the National Insurance Act when he is his own employer and a voluntary contributor is correct; and, if so, under what regulation is this to be found?
§ Mr. MASTERMANYes, Sir. A voluntary contributor will be entitled to benefits, although he may not have been able to pay all the weekly contributions due. If he is a member of an approved society his benefits will depend upon the extent to which he is in arrear (in accordance with the Regulations made under Section 10 (3) of the Act), and if he is a deposit contributor on the amount standing to his credit in the Post Office Fund under the provisions of Section 42 of the Act. The Regulations referred to have been published in draft, and can be obtained at the Vote Office; and I am sending a copy to the Noble Lord.
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEWill the right hon. Gentleman reply to my question as to his predecessor saying that those men would pay less than 7d. if they were voluntary contributors?
§ Mr. MASTERMANCertainly, it would be less than 7d. per week if you average it over the year.