§ 66 and 67. Mr. HOGGEasked (66) what steps are being taken to protect the interests of domestic servants and farm workers in Scotland from becoming deposit contributors as the result of non-stamping by employers; and whether the right hon. Gentleman can state what additional time will be given to employed persons to join approved societies in cases where such employers have not stamped cards; (67) whether it is intended to prosecute defaulters in Scotland who are not complying with the National Insurance Act and its regulations?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe Scottish Commissioners have through their inspectors made special investigation in selected districts with a view to the detection of such cases of refusal to comply with the Act as those referred to by my hon. Friend. In nearly all cases where employers were found not to have stamped the cards they promised to do so as a result of these visits. Where non-compliance is persisted in, after remonstrance, the Commissioners will institute proceedings. Persons whose cards were not being stamped during the last quarter were not thereby disqualified from joining approved societies. If any such persons find it difficult to join now because the societies refuse to receive the blank cards, they should communicate with the Commissioners, who will take what action is necessary to safeguard their interests. If in the meantime they become deposit contributors, they will be able to transfer to membership of an approved society afterwards without losing the advantage of their reserve value.