§ 41. Sir H. Williamsasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance when it is proposed to publish an Order in Council modifying the provisions of Section 56 of the National Insurance Act, whereby, so far as Ministers of the Crown are concerned, they are not to be treated in the same way as if their employer were a private person.
§ Mr. PeakeNo Order in Council to modify the provisions of the National Insurance Act as they affect Ministers of the Crown is contemplated.
§ Sir H. WilliamsUnder Section 56, Ministers of the Crown are deemed to be employed as though they were employed 850 by a private person. Why are they treated otherwise?
§ Mr. PeakeThis matter is governed by Section 1 of the Act, which deals with classification. Class 2, relating to self-employed persons, contains a wide category of miscellaneous but respectable people who are not employed under contract of service. It includes ministers of religion, Members of Parliament, mole-catchers, high court judges, test match umpires and variety artistes. Ministers of the Crown are included in Class 2 because they are not subject to control or liable individually to dismissal, at any rate by the Crown. Finally, any Minister aggrieved by his classification has a right of appeal to the High Court.
§ Sir H. WilliamsWill my right hon. Friend tell the House how long it has been established in this country that the Monarch cannot dismiss a Minister?