§ Mr. CURRIEasked the Comptroller of the Household, as representing the 1501W National Health Insurance Commissioners, whether he will, by legislation or otherwise, obtain power to substitute for the £160 income limit for national insurance purposes some more reasonable figure in the circumstances now prevailing, such as, say, £260, and to abolish the hitherto existing distinction between manual and non-manual workers?
1502W
§ Sir E. CORNWALLThe £160 limit to which my hon. Friend refers applies to the rate of remuneration and not to the income of the employed contributor. There is no power to deal with this matter except by legislation, and there would obviously be difficulties and considerable controversy in making such changes as are suggested in the question.