HC Deb 24 April 1967 vol 745 cc1138-9
29. Dame Irene Ward

asked the Minister of Social Security what regulations govern the National Insurance contributions for the draughtsmen locked out at various shipbuilding establishments.

Miss Herbison

The National Insurance (Contributions) Regulations do not allow contributions to be credited on account of unemployment to persons who are disqualified for unemployment benefit under the trade dispute provisions of the National Insurance Act. In general, such persons are liable to pay contributions at the non-employed rate.

Dame Irene Ward

How does that apply to employers? The position is very unsatisfactory. Is there no way of dealing with a situation of this kind, which has caused great resentment and difficulty on Tyneside and, no doubt, on other rivers where there is a lock-out?

Miss Herbison

Strong representations have been made to us from time to time about this disqualification under the trade dispute provisions. Because of the difficulties involved, we have already sent it to the Royal Commission on Trade Unions and Employers' Organisations.

Mr. Rhodes

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many of my constituents have been suspended from work because of what the employer describes as a lack of work although, in fact, the work has been locked away, and when workers go to the insurance offices they are told that they cannot claim benefit because they are involved in a dispute? Is my right hon. Friend not aware of the considerable resentment and sense of frustration felt by these workers?

Miss Herbison

Yes, Sir. I am very much aware of that and have been for some time. It was on that account that I decided to send the matter to the Royal Commission, so that it could be further investigated.

Mr. Bob Brown

Does my right hon. Friend realise that this type of situation throughout the land is causing more and more resentment year by year? Does not she agree that, when employers are responsible for men being locked out, they should be made responsible for the National Insurance contributions?

Miss Herbison

That is another matter. My hon. Friend will know that those cases have been adjudicated on by the statutory authorities and that, as the result of such adjudication, it has been decided that benefit cannot be paid.