HC Deb 18 December 1941 vol 376 cc2049-51
2. Miss Eleanor Rathbone

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the case for exemption of persons liable to unemployment insurance, whether British subjects or aliens, from the payment of arrears which have accumulated while they have been interned or otherwise confined in the interest of national security without trial?

Mr. Bevin

Arrears of unemployment insurance contributions do not accumulate in the circumstances stated. As regards the benefit position of such persons, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Consett (Mr. David Adams) on 16th December.

Miss Rathbone

Having noted the reply, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he is aware that this affects a really considerable number of persons whose release from internment shows that they are regarded as reliable and would be available for employment, and will he consult with my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary who, I am sure, will be able to confirm that that is so?

Miss Rathbone

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the case for exemption of persons liable to National Health Insurance, including insurance for widows' and orphans' pensions, whether British subjects or aliens, from the payment of arrears which have accumulated while they have been interned or otherwise confined in the interests of national security, without trial?

32. Mr. Lipson

asked the Minister of Health whether he will arrange that refugees, who were interned under general order, shall be excused payment of National Health Insurance contributions for the period of their internment?

The Minister of Health (Mr. Ernest Brown)

The possibility of excusing the arrears accumulated during the period of detention of these persons has been fully considered, but I am unable to agree that such arrears should be excused in full. As stated in the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Consett (Mr. David Adams) on 16th December, Regulations are being made under which these persons may safeguard their health insurance and pensions rights by paying, within a reasonable period after their release, contributions at a reduced rate for the period of detention.

Miss Rathbone

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the resources of these people are so much depleted through their detention, through no fault of their own, that it is very difficult for them to pay off arrears?

Mr. Brown

My hon. Friend will realise that we are trying to meet that. These people are being treated very favourably in being allowed to redeem their arrears at reduced rates.

Mr. Lipson

Can my right hon. Friend say what the reduced rates are?

Mr. Brown

The reduced rates are: men, 1s. 4d., and women, 11d., against 1s. 10d. and 1s. 5d.

Mr. Buchanan

Would the right hon. Gentleman look at a case of an internee who is ill while interned, and who, if he had been at liberty, would have been a recipient, and in that case excuse the arrears?

Mr. Brown

It may be that other points would come in there. I would not like to answer that offhand.

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