§ 58. Mr. Benjamin Smithasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, in the case of seamen removed from their ships by the enemy and treated as civilian prisoners of war, no health and pensions insurance contributions are payable as from the date of the loss of the ship either by capture or sinking; that, in consequence, all such seamen are in arrears of contributions, and should they be released prior to or during the penalty year 1941, there would be a reduction or cessation of benefit unless the accrued arrears were discharged at the full health and pensions rate by the seamen; and whether, as the position has already arisen in the case of seamen rescued from the "Altmark," he will ensure that such men are not called upon to make substantial payments to clear arrears in the circumstances?
Mr. M. MacDonaldI am aware that the existing law does not make satisfactory provision for maintaining the National Health Insurance and contributory pensions rights of civilian prisoners of war, and I hope to have an early opportunity of introducing the necessary amending legislation.
§ Mr. SmithCan my right hon. Friend give the House any idea how soon it will be and if, when he presents that amending legislation, it will have retrospective effect?
Mr. MacDonaldThe matter is under very active consideration. I cannot give a specific answer on either point, but no time will be lost.
§ Mr. SmithWill my right hon. Friend undertake to keep that aspect in mind, since otherwise there is no virtue in amending the Regulations if the people who have already suffered are not to be brought within the scope of the Bill?