§ 64. Mr. RENDALLasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the Commissioners have decided that stone breakers employed by public authorities who take the stones by the yard are contractors, and are not compulsorily insurable under Part I. of the National Insurance Act; whether he is aware that many authorities have already been insuring such men; and whether, in view of the objects of the Act, and with a view to avoiding injury to this class of workmen, the Commissioners will reconsider their decision?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe Commissioners, held a formal sitting on the 21st instant, in accordance with the Regulations under Section 66 of the National Insurance Act, for the hearing of evidence relating to cases of the kind referred to by the hon. Member, and their decision will be announced without avoidable delay. In view, however, of the diversity of practice among local authorities which was disclosed at the hearing, it appears doubtful whether it will be possible for a general decision to be given which will be applicable to all cases.
§ Mr. J. WARDIs it a fact that merely contracting for work of this description is going to exclude men from the operations of the Act?
§ Mr. MASTERMANAs I said, the decision will be announced without unavoidable delay. Perhaps the hon. Member will wait till that decision is announced.