29. MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEasked what is the position under the National Insurance Act of a rural postman working about three hours a day, commencing at 7 a.m. on Monday, and receiving 5s. to 6s. a week from the Post Office, and who is not on the permanent postal staff?
§ Mr. MASTERMANIf the person referred to is paid under an allowance and is employed by the Department for not more than eighteen hours a week he is excepted from compulsory insurance, so far as his Post Office duties are concerned under the provisions of the National Health Insurance Order (No. 1) (Subsidiary Employments). If he is not paid under an allowance or if though paid under an allowance his duties exceed eighteen hours a week he will be insured by the Post Office, if, as appears probable, the Department is the first employer in the week. The contributions payable by such a postman will be 4d.
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEIf the Government are not his first employer, are they willing to share the insurance with other employers, in the same way as other employers do?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI think that is a matter for consideration.