HC Deb 05 May 1913 vol 52 cc1648-9
25. Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

asked whether a journalist, who is also a Law Courts shorthand writer, a reporter of sermons on Sundays, and who gives private tuition in shorthand, is compulsorily insurable because he also acts, at a remuneration of £60 per annum, for two hours a day as a shorthand writer to a firm of engineers, and at what rate per annum the Insurance Commissioners calculate the equivalent of £60 a year for two hours a day; whether a shorthand writer is for the purpose of the Act deemed to be a manual labourer; and, if such a person is compulsorily insurable, why the Commissioners object to so stating in writing?

Mr. MASTERMAN

The person referred to in the question would not be compulsorily insurable in respect of his employment by the firm of engineers since employment as a shorthand writer is not employment by way of manual labour within the meaning of the National Insurance Act, and a payment of £60 a year for two hours work per day would be regarded as equivalent to a rate of remuneration exceeding £160 a year for whole-time service. The exact duration of work which would be held to constitute whole-time service must be determined in any case of doubt by reference to the custom in the particular trade and locality.

Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

What number of hours constitutes a day's work for a shorthand writer?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I have said the exact duration must be determined by reference to custom in the calling.

Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that questions put to the Commissioners in these matters are answered in writing?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I do not quite gather what the hon. Member means.