§ Mr. CASSELasked whether, in view of statements made on behalf of the Government at the time of the by-election in the South Somerset Division, the Treasury will, under Section 1 (2) of the National Insurance Act, 1911, consent to a special Order bringing all outworkers in Great Britain within the provisions of the Act in accordance with the recommendation of the Outworkers' Committee?
Mr. PEELasked whether, in view of the Report of the Committee on Outworkers, he is prepared to give Treasury sanction to the inclusion by special Order under the proviso to Sub-section (2) of Section 1 of the National InsuranceiAct,1911, to married women outworkers excepted from insurance under Part II. of the First Schedule to the Act; and whether he is prepared to state the grounds on which married women outworkers were specially excluded?
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENNThe Outworkers' Committee have reported in favour of the ultimate inclusion of all married women outworkers. With regard to the reasons for the insertion of paragraph (j) in Part II. of the First Schedule excepting certain of these out- 1736 workers, I would refer the hon. Member to the discussion which took place in this House on 21st November, 1911. The recommendations contained in the Report of the Outworkers' Committee are still under consideration. No immediate action is proposed and no special order will in any case be made without full opportunities being first given to persons affected to have objections investigated at a public inquiry before such Order comes into force.
Mr. PEELWas there any reason for excluding these women outworkers from the operation of the Act, except the immediate political necessities of the Government?
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENNIf the hon. Gentleman will refer to the Debate—
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENNIf the hon. Member will let me complete my answer, and if he will refer to the Debate he will find that the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave in full his reasons for excluding them.
Mr. PEELIn view of the fact that these women are scattered and unorganised, will sufficiently long time be allowed for them to become aware of the new Order, seeing that the Government have changed their mind since last November?
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENNI have said that no immediate action is contemplated.
§ Mr. CASSELSeeing that the House gave its decision, will it have an opportunity of discussing the question again before the decision is reversed?
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENNI cannot give that undertaking, because the House also decided that the Commissioners should have power to make such an Order.
Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANSWill the Chancellor of the Exchequer be here to-morrow? If so I will raise the question on the Adjournment.
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENNIf the hon. Member intimates his desire to raise the matter on the Adjournment, I will convey the intimation to the proper quarters.