HC Deb 31 January 1929 vol 224 cc1118-9
20. Mr. KELLY

asked the Minister of Health why his Department has issued a Circular stating that men engaged on work such as snow clearing must not have their insurance cards stamped, as this work is not recognised as employment for the purpose of health insurance?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

No such Circular has been issued by my Department, but the position with regard to national health insurance is similar to the position in regard to unemployment insurance dealt with in the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour in answer to a question yesterday.

Mr. KELLY

Will the right hon. Gentleman communicate with his people at Ipswich and Bolton, in order that they may put a stop to the practice that is now going on?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

What practice?

Mr. KELLY

The practice of people connected with the Ministry of Health refusing to accept cards to be stamped, from people who are engaged in the clearing of snow.

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

If the hon. Member will read the reply of the Minister of Labour, he will see at once why that is done.

Mr. KELLY

Is there anything in an Act of Parliament which permits a Department to impose a condition as debarring these people from having their cards stamped?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

It is entirely in accordance with the Act.