§ 59. Sir J. D. REESasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what benefit shareholders will obtain from the National Insurance Act in companies which pay taxes on behalf of Lascar seamen, who, not being residents in Great Britain themselves, obtain no benefits for the taxes paid by their employers; what use is made of the taxes thus paid by companies thus obtaining no benefits; whether such taxation is of any benefit to Lascars or shareholders; and, if not, to whose benefit such taxes are exacted?
§ Mr. SNOWDENOn a point of Order. May I point out that the hon. Member has already put nine questions this afternoon—seven of which are on the Paper, and two being supplementaries on Questions Nos. 12 and 14?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe rule is that no Member may put more than eight questions on the Paper. I am sorry to say that there is no rule against asking any number of supplementary questions.
§ Mr. MASTERMANUnder Section 48 (6) and (7) of the National Insurance Act the contributions in question are to be credited to the Seamen's National Insurance Society and will be used, together with any other available funds, under a scheme to be approved by the Board of Trade and the Insurance Commissioners 819 to provide special benfits (including pensions) for masters and seamen with long sea service.