§ 40. Sir J. D. REESasked whether distress exists among outworkers in the lace trade in Nottingham in consequence of the imposition of the insurance tax; and 24 when some scheme will be introduced to mitigate the hardships under which they are suffering?
§ Mr. MASTERMANFollowing upon the Report of the special inquiry which will be laid on the Table of the House in a few days, it has been decided to simplify the system of paying contributions in respect of outworkers by reference to work done. I am sending to the hon. Member particulars of the changes which are being made in the Regulations. No specific case of hardship in Nottingham has been brought to my notice, but if the hon. Member can furnish particulars of any case I shall be glad to have inquiries made.
§ Sir J. D. REESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the simplification to which he refers has been divulged, and does not adequately deal with the very considerable distress resulting from the imposition of this tax?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI was not aware of it. The recommendations of the person who conducted the inquiry are, I think, meeting the special case of the Nottingham outworkers.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEWould the right hon. Gentleman say whether there are any impartial persons who conduct inquiries on behalf of the Government?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI think by Statute all inquiries have to be conducted by impartial persons.
§ Mr. W. THORNEMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that long before the Insurance Act came into existence there was a great deal of distress among the outworkers in the lace trade at Nottingham, and whether the hon. Gentleman (Sir J. D. Rees) has attempted in any way to advise the employers to raise the wages of these particular workers?