§ 67. Mr. STEPHENasked the Minister of Health if the workmen employed in slaughtering cattle in the slaughter-houses in London, Manchester and Birkenhead are insured under the National Health Insurance Act; and whether they will be included under the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Bill?
§ Sir K. WOODMy right hon. Friend is not in possession of the information necessary for answering the question, but he is making inquiries and will inform the hon. Member of the result in due course.
§ 76. Mr. STEPHENasked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that the workmen employed in slaughtering cattle in the Glasgow Corporation slaughter-house are not insured under the National Health Insurance Act; whether he will state the reasons why they are not included; and if it is proposed to include them under the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Bill?
§ The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Sir John Gilmour)The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative In reply to the second part, as the men do not work under a contract of service between employer and employed, they are not eligible for insurance within the meaning of the Health Insurance Acts. In reply to the third part, as they are not insurable for health purposes they do not come within the scope of the Pensions scheme. Such of them, however, as may have already been insured under the National Health Insurance Acts in respect of any insurable employment for a period of two years and have paid 104 qualifying contributions will have the opportunity under certain conditions of electing to become voluntary contributors.
§ Mr. STEPHENWill the right hon. Gentleman not endeavour to make arrangements that workmen such as those referred to in my question will be in- 508 cluded under the new scheme of social insurance?
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs it not a fact that in Birkenhead and Liverpool this class of workmen is included under the National Health Insurance Act; and will he consider the advisability of having these men in Glasgow placed under the same Act? Why is it that there is a different treatment for the workmen in Liverpool and Glasgow?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am not aware of the case to which my hon. Friend refers, but I will consider it.
§ Mr. BUCHANANWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the whole position, which was placed before his predecessor some years ago?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI cannot say more than that I will investigate the whole subject.