44. Major HOPEasked what sum an employed contributor is entitled to as sickness benefit under the National Insurance Act if he is taken ill after completing one hour's work on a Wednesday morning and, through illness, is unable to resume work until the following Monday morning?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe answer to the hon. Member's question would depend upon whether the rules of the particular society provided for the weekly payment of sickness benefit upon a six or a seven day basis, and upon the decision of the society, on the facts of the particular case, as to whether the Wednesday would count as the first of the waiting days. If the hon. Member has any actual case in mind 1253 I will make inquiries and inform him of the result.
Major HOPEIs it not a general rule amongst approved societies in Scotland that no benefit is payable for Sundays, and does not that press hardly on Scottish farm labourers who are ill for short periods at a time?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI should like notice of that question.