§ 18. Major M'CALMONTasked (1) whether all soldiers are compelled to contribute under the National Insurance Act during their first twelve years' service; whether they are eligible for any benefits under the Act during that period; and whether those who leave the Army with pensions of more than 1s. 5d. per diem can receive any benefits for the contributions that have been paid by and for them while in the Service; and (2) the percentage of soldiers serving the second period of their engagement on any recent date who have decided to discontinue their contributions under the National Insurance Act; and whether such men, on becoming compulsorily insured after leaving the Army, get any credit for the contributions that have been paid by and for them during their first twelve years' service?
Mr. ROBERTSONDeductions for the purposes of national health insurance are made from the pay of all soldiers serving under their first term of engagement. As regards the benefits which a soldier receives, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Nottingham on the 20th March last. I understand that the proportion of soldiers serving the second period of engagement who have not elected to have deductions made from their pay is 47 per cent. as regards Home stations; for foreign stations the figures are not yet available. Those who are in receipt of pensions to the value of £26 a year or upwards, on finally leaving the Army could, if they chose, obtain certificates of exemption, but the receipt of the pension does not itself in any way affect the right to receive benefits under the Act, and if they remain in insurance as employed contributors, the fact that they have been previously insured will enable them, while paying the ordinary flat rate, to receive the full benefits of the Act without suffering the reduction of benefits attaching under Section 9 (4) of the Act to persons entering insurance at the age of seventeen or upwards.
§ Major M'CALMONTMay I ask whether, in the event of their refusing to continue to contribute during the second period, they can still claim their original contribution or not?
§ Sir J. D. REESWill the hon. Gentleman say whether any complaints have been received of these deductions by the commanding officers?