§ Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in estimating the total remuneration received by an agricultural labourer for the purposes of the National Insurance Bill, the estimate of the economic annual value of his cottage will be based upon the rent, if any, paid in respect of it, or how otherwise will such value be ascertained?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend on Tuesday.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is intended that, under Clause 9 (2) of the National Insurance Bill, an agricultural 1466W labourer receiving a wage of 14s. shall be deprived of the full sickness benefit of 10s. per week, although in fact he is paying the same weekly premium as the town artisan, who receives more than double his wage, and belongs to a class having a higher standard of health and therefore making a smaller aggregate demand upon the National Insurance Fund?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe hon. Member fails, I think, to realise that the whole of the saving arising from a reduction of sick pay under Clause 9 (2) and the whole of the saving arising from a better standard of health among the members of any approved society remain in the hands of the society for additional benefits. A society composed of agricultural labourers will thus get whatever insurance their contributions, with the assistance of their employers and of the State, will buy.