§ 25. Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that, consequent upon a decision of Justice Roche, dated 29th July, 1932, master butchers in Glasgow have been induced to discontinue paying National Health and Pensions Insurance contributions in respect of certain of their employes who were supposed to be covered by these schemes; and whether he will take steps to alter the law so that the position in this connection may be regularised?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Mr. Skelton)It is assumed that the hon. Member's question refers to certain killers in the Glasgow slaughterhouse who entered insurance in 1929 as manual labour contractors. Following on a decision by Mr. Justice Roche, the Department of Health felt bound to review the position of manual labour contractors in Scotland and it is the fact that the master butchers in Glasgow have been advised that certain killers from whom personal service is not required are not now regarded as compulsorily insurable under the National Health Insurance and Pensions Acts. The men concerned have been advised that they may continue to pay contributions as voluntary contributors. The whole position of manual labour contractors under the National Health Insurance and Pensions Acts is being closely watched with a view to ascertaining whether any alteration of the law is necessary.
§ Mr. DAVIESIs it not a fact that when the last piece of legislation was passed it was the definite intention of Parliament that these slaughtermen should be brought into the scheme, and, in view of the fact that the intention of Parliament has not been carried out by the law, will the Government make an alteration in the law?
§ Mr. SKELTONThe question of an alteration of the law is under review. I cannot say more at the moment.