§ 28. Mr. BOOTHasked when the National Insurance contribution cards and stamps will be made available to the public, and when and how they can be obtained?
§ Mr. MASTERMANSupplies of cards for health insurance are now ready for members of approved societies in England, and will be immediately issued to such societies on application. Some time next week insurance stamps for both health insurance and unemployment insurance will be on sale at the post offices. Cards for health insurance will be obtainable on application at English post offices after next week by those persons liable to compulsory insurance who have not then joined approved societies. Employers, of domestic servants will also be able to obtain cards at the post offices for issue to such of their employés as fail to obtain cards for themselves. Specimens of the stamps and of the health insurance cards are exhibited in the Tea Room. With reference to Part II. of the National Insurance Act (Unemployment Insurance), for which distinct unemployment books will be required, I have received the following information from my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade: The unemployment books will be issued by the Board of Trade on receipt of application to be made on forms which are now ready. These forms can be obtained at any Labour Exchange or local office of the unemployment fund, and the 511 address of the nearest Labour Exchange or local office can be obtained on inquiry at any post office. Arrangements have also been made to distribute the forms of application to employers and trade unions. The form when filled must be returned to a Labour Exchange or other local office, and in return the actual unemployment book will be sent direct to the workmen at any address he may desire.
§ Mr. MITCHELL-THOMSONDo the same provisions apply to the supply of books and cards in the cases of Scotland and Ireland?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe same provisions apply, but I understand they will be a few days later than England in issuing them.