§ Mr. HUNTasked whether in view of the fact that the administrative expenses of the National Insurance Bill incurred by the Government were provided from money which was not raised under the Bill, he could say why deposit contributors had to pay towards the expenses incurred by the local Health Committee in the administration of benefits?
Mr. McKINNON WOODI see nothing inconsistent between the first and second parts of the hon. Member's question. Under the Bill members of Societies and Post Office contributors contribute towards the cost of the administration of their own benefits, by their Societies in the case of members of Societies, by the Committee in the case of deposit contributors. There is no sufficient reason to give a preference to deposit contributors in the matter.
Major STANLEYasked whether persons who only have employment in the summer, and are not employed for the remainder of the year, will have to pay their own and the employer's contribution for the intervening months when they resume their occupation the following summer?
Mr. McKINNON WOODNo, Sir, they will not "have to pay" their own and their employer's contributions. Such persons may become deposit contributors, and pay contributions only while they are employed, or they may become members of an approved society, when the amount which they would have to pay while unemployed will depend upon the benefits to 967W which they desire to become entitled. In calculating this amount there is also to be taken into consideration the provision which gives an allowance of four weeks per annum, which do not count for arrears, and which being cumulative reduce substantially payments during periods of unemployment.