Captain WILSONI beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for War whether Territorials who are exempt from National Insurance contributions in civil life are liable to pay contributions whilst embodied; whether rates of contributions for National Insurance for Territorials embodied are the same as Army rates, and, if 36 so, whether fresh insurance cards are to be provided; and whether he will consider if it is possible to exempt, whilst mobilised, Territorials from any payment towards National Insurance without loss of benefits on return to civil life?
§ Mr. TENNANTEmbodied Territorials are under the same rules as Regulars as regards insurance, and the rates of contribution are the same as Army rates. Army cards will be used instead of civilian rates. The exemption of Territorial soldiers from payment of contribution has not so far been considered. If it were considered in the case of Territorial soldiers, it would have to be considered in the case of Regulars and Special Reservists also.
Captain WILSONDo I understand from the right hon. Gentleman that those who are not insured now in civil life are bound to be insured whilst they are embodied?
§ Mr. TENNANTI do not think so.
Captain WILSONWill the right hon. Gentleman answer the first part of the question which I put down?
§ Mr. TENNANTIf the hon. Gentleman had really put it down I might have been able to give a more considered reply, but there has been a great deal of difficulty in getting these answers in so short a time.