§ 62. Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSONasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether a married woman, not an insured person, who is deserted by her husband just before the birth of her child, can obtain the maternity benefit; and, if not, whether he will deal with this matter in the forthcoming National Insurance Act Amending Bill?
§ Mr. MASTERMANIn the circumstances mentioned by the hon. Member, I think that the society, which has discretion to administer the benefit otherwise than in cash, would be justified in using the money to make provision for the wife. The question of proposing a Clause in the Amending Bill to enable the society to treat the benefit, in cases of desertion, as in every respect a benefit for the wife has been under consideration.