§ 44. Sir H. CARLILEasked whether regularly employed women as cleaners of steps in the poorer districts, who are usually paid at the rate of 1d. for each step cleaned, come under the provisions of the National Insurance Act; and, in that case, is the first employer to pay 5d. for the stamp in addition to the Id. for the cleaning of the step if the daily wage does not exceed 1s. 6d., and if the daily wage exceeds 1s. 6d., does the cleaner do the work of cleaning the first step for nothing, and pay 3d. for the privilege of doing it if her daily wage exceeds 2s.?
§ Mr. MASTERMANWomen employed regularly as cleaners of steps are employed contributors under the National Insurance Act. The special rates of contribution for low paid labour depend under the Act not upon actual earnings, but upon the rate of remuneration of a working day. If the sum paid is equivalent to a remuneration exceeding 2s. a day, the normal contribution of 3d. each from employer and employed is therefore payable. The various employers can, of course, in such cases enter 454 into an arrangement to pay the weekly contribution in rotation, or may agree privately to share the employers' part of the contribution.
§ Sir H. CARLILEWill the right hon Gentleman take steps to exempt these poor women from the operation of the Act?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI am not sure that the poor women would want to be exempted.