§ 55. Sir RANDOLF BAKERasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that though the members of the Dorset, constabulary have been granted an exemption from the provisions of the National Insurance Act on 29th March, 1913, yet a refund of the contributions paid by them till that date has been refused by the Insurance Commissioners; and whether, under the circumstances, the Commissioners will direct that such refund should be made?
Mr. BENNThe certificate of exception granted in respect of the Dorset police operates from 3rd March, 1913, and prior to that date contributions were properly payable, and the Commissioners have no power to refund them. In the event, however, of any of the men concerned again becoming insurable, the fact that contributions had already been paid in respect of him, would be taken into account in determining the benefits to which he would then be entitled.
§ Sir R. BAKERDoes the hon. Member mean to say that under the Act the contributions taken from these men when exemption is granted are annexed by the Insurance Commissioners and no benefit is given to them?
Mr. BENNThese men pay certain contributions in respect of which they are entitled to benefit, and as long as they pay those contributions they are entitled to benefit.