§ 83. Mr. RUPERT GWYNNEasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, under the National Insurance Act, aliens are at present enjoying a preference over British subjects by reason of the fact that they are not liable to become insured persons until they reach seventeen years of age, whereas British subjects are liable to become insured persons at the age of sixteen years; and, if so, whether, and when, he proposes to introduce any amendment of the Act?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe answer is in the negative. An alien who becomes employed before attaining the age of seventeen will be insured as an employed contributor and his contributions and benefits will be the same as in the case of British subjects. An alien who enters insurance after attaining the age of seventeen will receive benefits on a reduced scale.