§ 13. Sir J. D. REESasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps are being taken to mitigate the hardships under which those employed in the Nottingham lace-finishing trade suffer since the National Insurance Act became law?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Masterman)I have no knowledge to what hardships the hon. Member refers, but if he will let me know what specific question is in his mind I shall be happy to have inquiries made on the subject.
§ Sir J. D. REESDoes the right hon. Gentleman really mean he is unaware that there are persons in the lace-finishing trade who are only paid a penny an hour from whom the Insurance tax threepences are wrung?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI have no knowledge of the particular calamities to which the hon. Gentleman refers.
§ Sir MAURICE LEVYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that since the Trade Boards Act came into operation people are not employed at a penny an hour?
§ Sir J. D. REESThey are.