HC Deb 23 June 1913 vol 54 cc777-8
22. Mr. DOUGLAS HALL

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the Isle of Wight County Police were asked to fill up a form stating whether they desired to insure under the National. Insurance Act; that, in reply thereto, practically the whole force answered, No; that, notwithstanding this, definite orders were subsequently issued to them to insure; and that after the payment of contributions, representing in all 5s. 3d. per man, they were told that they need no longer insure; whether, although the Insurance Commissioners were asked to return the amount of the contributions, they refused; and whether he will state the reasons of this refusal?

Mr. MASTERMAN

An application for a certificate of exception in respect of the Isle of Wight County Police was received on the 14th June last. On the 21st June the Standing Joint Committee were informed that a certificate could not be granted unless they were prepared to guarantee some minimum period of sick leave without prejudice to more liberal treatment of individual cases. No further communication was received from the Committee till they wrote on the 2nd October withdrawing their application. On the 22nd October a fresh application was received, and after some correspondence a certificate dated the 30th October was issued. Owing to the difficulty of dealing with all applications received before the commencent of the Act, the Commissioners decided that certificates issued before the end of the first quarter should take effect as from the 15th July. As the application in this case was not renewed till the beginning of the second quarter, it took effect from the date on which it was approved by the Commission. Contributions paid in respect of the police prior to the date of the certificate were properly payable and cannot be refunded.

Mr. DOUGLAS HALL

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that this is very unfair treatment of the police in this matter?

Mr. MASTER MAN

I do not think so, but I shall be very glad if the hon. Member will put me in possession of any further facts. It appears to be due to the authority not having made up its mind to accept a sufficiently liberal scheme.