§ Mr. DUNCAN MILLARasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it was intended to extend the benefits of the unemployment insurance scheme to those employed in the mining industry and other important industries; and whether he would be prepared to consider the immediate inclusion in his scheme of the workmen engaged in those industries upon the footing of their being prepared to make the necessary contributions?
Mr. BUXTONMy right. hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. Associations which provide unemployment benefit for persons employed in mining or other industries not included in the compulsory part of the scheme will be entitled under the Bill to a State grant not exceeding one-sixth of their total expenditure on that object. This grant is calculated at a rate which is approximately equivalent to the proportionate rate of State contribution towards unemployment insurance within the trades to which the compulsory part of the scheme will apply after allowing for the expenses of management, so that the members of associations within and without the scope of the compulsory scheme will, roughly speaking, be on a similar footing as regards the State contribution. I do not think it is desirable at the outset to extend to any material extent the scope of the compulsory portion of the scheme, but ample machinery is provided for future extension as need is shown.
§ Mr. GRANTasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his estimate of the cost of the State of the National Insurance Bill will be considerably modified if Home Rule is granted to Ireland?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI fear I cannot forecast the provisions of a Home Rule Bill.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether all slate clubs and other unregistered benefit societies will necessarily be wound up as having no public utility after the national sickness insurance scheme comes into operation; and, if so, what steps should their members take to secure the full benefits obtainable under the scheme?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI hope that practically all organisations which already 1343W exist for giving the benefits provided for by the National Insurance Bill and which cannot be recognised, as they stand, as approved societies, may be utilised with more or less adaptation, either by embodiment in approved societies or by affiliation to such societies.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether governesses are included within the compulsory branch of the scheme of national insurance against sickness and invalidity?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEGovernesses below the income limit of £160 a year are compulsorily insured. Those above that limit could be voluntarily insured.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, under the national scheme for compulsory insurance against sickness, a poor agricultural labourer receiving 12s. a week only will be compelled to contribute a premium of 4d. a week, owing to the annual value of a rent-free cottage, however dilapidated, or the difference between its actual and an economic rent being taken into account; and, if so, whether the proposed flat rate of premium will affect the rural population adversely by comparison with the higher-paid industrial workers in the towns?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEAn agricultural labourer whose wages or other remuneration exceed 2s. but do not exceed 2s. 6d. a day, and who is not provided with board and lodging by his employer, would contribute 3d. a week.