HC Deb 14 November 1929 vol 231 cc2206-7
55. Commander SOUTH BY

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider amending existing legislation in order to make it optional for people to come into the unemployment and con-tributary pensions scheme?

The MINISTER of HEALTH (Mr. Arthur Greenwood)

As regards the contributory pensions scheme I am unable to adopt the suggestion of the hon. Member. Parliament has decided that a contributory scheme of pensions for the employed population is necessary, and that decision involves that the scheme should be on a compulsory basis. It is obvious that if an option were given to remain outside, the object which Parliament had in view would not be attained as regards those individuals who exercised the option. The question so far as it relates to the unemployment scheme should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour.