§ 72. Mr. FELLasked if any scheme has yet been got out to provide benefits for the fishermen who are insured under the National Insurance Act, and who are for large periods of the year away on the fishing grounds in the North of Scotland, and other distant places, and who, whilst paying the same fees, must receive quite dis-disproportionate benefits compared with other insured persons?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI cannot accept the suggestion that such fishermen must obtain 2257 smaller benefits than other insured persons. It is only while they are entitled to medical attendance and maintenance during sickness from their employer that the corresponding benefits are withheld. Any money so saved will go towards creating a surplus in their society which would be devoted to providing additional benefits, and if the men in question join a society for seamen or fishermen, those in respect of whom the saving had been made would enjoy the full advantage of such benefits.