§ 17. Lieut.-Colonel Marcus Liptonasked the Minister of National Insurance what benefits are available to employed contributors who were over 65 years of age on 5th July, 1948, and who were not insurably employed before that date.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the scheme is providing a fair and honest return for the rather substantial contributions which are having to be paid in respect of the small but deserving category of public-spirited people who are still at work?
§ Mr. PeakeSo far as the employee is concerned, the industrial injury benefits are the only ones for which persons who were over 65 in July, 1948, make a contribution. They are getting the benefit to which they themselves made a contribution.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonYes, but can the Minister say how much is being paid to the Exchequer by way of contribution in respect of these people? Several shillings a week are being paid for which neither the employee nor the employer get any return whatsoever.
§ Mr. PeakeNothing has been paid to the Exchequer, but contributions are being paid to the Insurance Fund by the employer. That was a safeguard against employers giving preference to the employment of elderly workers over persons of ordinary working age.