HC Deb 30 April 1913 vol 52 cc1173-4
86. Mr. CHARLES BATHURST

asked how many farmers in Great Britain have refused and still refuse, as employers of labour, to carry out the provisions of Part I[...] of the National Insurance Act, and in what county or counties the bulk of these farmers are to be found; and what steps, if any, are being taken to compel their obedience to the law?

Mr. MASTERMAN

Although in some cases difficulty is being experienced in enforcing the payment of arrears all serious organised resistance of the nature suggested by the hon. Member has now collapsed. The ultimate means of compelling obedience to the law is prosecution, and this is being employed both against persons who are still refusing compliance and against those who, though now complying, have refused to pay arrears. In all fifty-four prosecutions have been instituted against farmers in England, of which seven have been in Buckinghamshire, seven in Warwickshire, six in Berkshire, five in Suffolk, four in Essex, and four in Yorkshire (North Riding).

Mr. C. BATHURST

Have they all succeeded?

Mr. MASTERMAN

As far as I know, every case has resulted in a conviction.