HC Deb 18 March 1913 vol 50 cc832-3
60. Mr. HUNT

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he can say whether a man of fifty years of age under the National Insurance Act is entitled to 1s. a week from his approved society if his employer only pays him 9s. a week under the Workmen's Compensation Act?

Mr. MASTERMAN

In the case of a man already fifty years of age before he became an employed contributor the normal rate of sickness benefit is 7s. a week, and no sickness benefit would be payable during incapacity caused by an accident in respect of which he was receiving compensation of the weekly value of 9s. If he became fifty after becoming an employed contributor he would in the circumstances stated, and under the ordinary conditions, be entitled to receive 1s. a week sickness benefit in addition to the compensation.

Mr. HUNT

If the man had only 7s. a week from his employer, would he get anything in addition?

Mr. MASTERMAN

If he was over fifty years of age before the passing of the Act and receives 7s. a week from his employer, he would not be insured for any more.

Mr. HUNT

He would not get any sickness benefit?

Mr. MASTERMAN

To get sick benefit when he is receiving workmen's compensation, he would have to pay a considerably higher premium than he is paying.

Mr. HUNT

Would he have been paying for sickness benefit and not get anything for it, if the employer is paying his 7s. a week?

Mr. MASTERMAN

In the finance of the Act it is arranged that he should not be paid sick benefit during the time he receives workmen's compensation. To receive sick benefit during that time he would have to pay a higher premium than he is paying.

Mr. HUNT

rose—

Mr. SPEAKER

The right hon. Gentleman has already given two or three clear answers.