HC Deb 03 June 1913 vol 53 cc765-6
29. Mr. C. BATHURST

asked if the right hon. Gentleman will indicate in what respects it is proposed during the present Session to amend the National Insurance Act; and whether, in view of the admitted hardship suffered by the agricultural community in consequence of the flat-rate system of premium payment, he will in the amending Bill so alter such system as to make the weekly contribution of agricultural labourers and their employers more closely correspond with the high health standard of the former and the relatively few claims made by them for sickness and medical benefit?

Mr. MASTERMAN

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent. In reply to the second part of the question, I would point out, as I stated in reply to the hon. Member for Barkston Ash Division, on 27th November last, that if, as the question assumes, persons in agricultural districts enjoy superior health to those in other parts of the country, agricultural societies should on valuation show a substantial surplus, which will be available either for increasing the benefits or for paying a part of the contributions of their members.

Mr. C. BATHURST

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that most agricultural labourers are in societies which are composed partly of rural and partly of town labourers, and under those circumstances is it not impossible to get their due without some amendment of the Act?

Mr. MASTERMAN

As far as I know, any agriculturist could have joined or could now be transferred to purely rural societies.

Mr. BOOTH

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that of the five principal benefits under the Act the cost of administering three of them is larger in agricultural districts than in the towns?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I think that may be so, but I was very careful not to assume the premises of the question.

Mr. C. BATHURST

Does the right hon. Gentleman admit that fact?

Mr. PETO

Is it not precisely in respect of agricultural wages that the benefits are nearer in proportion to weekly earnings, and, therefore, what is required is not additional benefits but reduced contributions?

Mr. MASTERMAN

Certainly a large number of agricultural labourers ought now to be paying reduced contributions.