HC Deb 10 September 1914 vol 66 cc622-3
9. Sir CHARLES HENRY

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the Insurance Commissioners, whether it will be necessary to insure those persons to whom temporary employment is given on account of their being in need of assistance owing to the conditions caused by the War?

Mr. WEDGWOOD BENN (Lord of the Treasury)

The question whether the persons referred to are insurable depends on the conditions on which the work is undertaken in each case. If the relationship of master and servant exists, or if the person in question is employed as an outworker as defined in paragraph (c) of Part I. of the first Schedule to the Act of 1911, the employé will be insured.

Sir C. HENRY

May I ask if the Insurance Commissioners would take into consideration those who were employed, on account of the War, by organisations like the Queen's Women Workless Fund?

Mr. BENN

I could not answer that question without knowing precisely the circumstances.

10. Mr. GODFREY LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked whether a person ordinarily outside the limits of the National Insurance Act (Part I.) comes within the limits on joining the Army under the three years' enlistment scheme and has 1½d. per week deducted from his pay?

Mr. BENN

I would refer the hon. Member to the Bill introduced and read the first time yesterday. The Bill provides, inter alia, that men in the New Army who have not been insured in civil life will have the option of remaining uninsured during the War if they so elect. No deductions will, of course, be made on account of insurance from the military pay of persons so electing to remain uninsured. A leaflet is in preparation, and will be issued at the earliest possible moment.

11. Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked whether an employed person ordinarily outside the limits of the National Insurance Act (Part I.) comes within the limits because his rate of remuneration is now less than £160 per annum, through a temporary reduction on account of the War; and, if not, whether the Government will take steps to make this known so that contributions shall not be deducted from wages?

Mr. BENN

If a person ordinarily employed at a rate of remuneration in excess of the statutory limit has his remuneration in respect of the same employment temporarily reduced by reason of the War he is not thereby brought within the scope of compulsory insurance while such temporary arrangements continue.