§ 72. Mr. MILDMAYasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether auxiliary postmen in South Devon, employed for a weekly wage of 8s. 9d., are rightly required to pay out of that sum. 4d. per week for national health insurance; and whether, under the Act, the employés contribution should be on a lower scale?
§ Mr. MASTERMANA deduction of 4d. a week is correct. The auxiliary postmen referred to are employed for part-time only under the Post Office and their rate of remuneration exceeds 2s. 6d. for a full working day.
§ Mr. MILDMAYWhy is a private employer not at liberty to interpret his obligations under the Act in the same way as the Post Office authorities, and may I ask whether requiring the full 4d. is in accordance with the spirit of the Act?
§ Mr. MASTERMANIf there is a dispute between a private employer and an employé as to the rate of remuneration, it will have to be determined by the Insurance Commissioners.
§ Mr. MILDMAYIs the right hon. Gentleman able to say that a private employer can interpret his obligations under the Act in the same way as the Post Office?
§ Mr. MASTERMANIn each case it could be challenged by the employé, and in each case the Insurance Commissioners would have to decide.