§ 43. Mr. HOGGEasked the Secretary to the Treasury how the position stands in Scotland with regard to resistance and evasion of the National Insurance Act by farmers; whether he can say what is the result of the appeal to the High Court of Justiciary; and whether a statement could be made as to the precise ground of appeal?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI am informed that the provisions of the Act are being generally complied with by farmers as well as by other classes of employers in Scotland. No decision has yet been given in 968 the case referred to in the latter part of the question, and I am unable meanwhile to make any statement in regard to it.
§ Mr. MASTERMANI am afraid I do not know at all.
§ 44. Mr. HOGGEasked if insurance inspectors in Scotland have not hitherto made inquiries with a view to the detection of defaulters, and are now being pressed to do so, and, if so, as a consequence, there are threats of resignation; whether insurance inspectors have not hitherto inspected specific complaints; whether any different orders have been given to the inspectors; whether complaints have been received from inspectors regarding overwork; and whether there have been any threats of resignation?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI am informed that the enforcement of the liability to insurance and the investigation of complaints has from the first formed part of the duties of the staff referred to. No new instructions to this effect were, therefore, required, and none have been issued. The reply to the fourth and fifth parts of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. HOGGEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these charges were circulated by the leading Conservative paper in Scotland, and can he take means to get correct information regarding them?
§ Mr. MASTERMANPerhaps they will be good enough to take notice of the answer I have given to the hon. Gentleman to-day.