HC Deb 18 June 1912 vol 39 cc1474-5
30. Mr. HUNT

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the Regulations published by the National Health Commissioners on 11th June that persons maintained by their employers are exempt from the National Insurance Act if not paid wages, he can say whether this Regulation is intended to apply to servants provided with clothes and food by their employers but not under any agreement as to the payment of wages?

Mr. MASTERMAN

The position of these persons as defined in the Act is not affected by any Regulations of the Commissioners. The receipt of clothes and food without lodging would not constitute maintenance so as to except an unpaid servant from compulsory insurance under paragraph (f) of Part II. of the First Schedule.

Mr. HUNT

Are the Insurance Commissioners supposed to issue these Regulations for the people to understand? If the Regulations are wrong, as they evidently are, will the right hon. Gentleman have them altered?

Mr. MASTERMAN

No Regulations are wrong. The Insurance Commissioners have no power to issue Regulations except upon such questions as the House of Commons may instruct them, and this is not one of them.

Mr. HUNT

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that they have issued Regulations?

Mr. MASTERMAN

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down a question showing where any Regulation is wrong.

Forward to