§ "Paragraph (b) of Sub-section (3) of Section one of the principal Act shall have 3434 effect, as if there were added thereto 'or' being of the age of sixty or upwards, show to the satisfaction of the Insurance Commissioners that they have ceased to be insurable as employed contributors.'"
§ Clause brought up, and read the first time.
§ Mr. MASTERMANI beg to move, "That the Clause be read a second time."
§ Mr. T. E. HARVEYThis deals with a very real grievance which applies especially to old men who have to cease their employment at a certain fixed age, such as railway servants who have to leave in some cases at the age of sixty or sixty-five in various departments. It is quite possible under the existing Act that such men should have been two years or a year and a half compulsory contributors (for half a year without receiving any benefits), and then on ceasing their employment they are no longer insurable persons within the meaning of Section 1 of the Act. They cease to-contribute, they lose all benefits, and during the first six months they get no benefit at all. This will allow such persons to continue as voluntary contributors and get full benefit, and, in case they do not desire this, it will also give them the reduced benefits of the arrears Clause.
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI think that this will give an opportunity to a number of these people to become voluntary contributors; they may be thrown out of occupation at the age of sixty, and may not have been insured for a period of five years or upwards. It is a small addition to the present opportunities for becoming voluntary contributors.
§ Mr. HARRY LAWSONWhat is the actuarial estimate?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThey will continue as voluntary contributors.
§ Question put, and agreed to.
§ Clause added to the Bill.