HC Deb 05 February 1913 vol 47 c2209W
Mr. O'SHEE

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, in Ireland, in the case of a woman whose husband is an insured person and who, in her confinement, is legally entitled to the attendance of the dispensary doctor or dispensary midwife under the provisions of the Medical Charities Acts, there is any liability, under Section 18 of the National Insurance Act, to deduction from the maternity benefit of any payment for such doctor or midwife; and, if not, whether the entire sum of 30s. will be payable without deduction?

Mr. MASTERMAN

If, as a matter of fact, the wife of an insured person has received attendance on confinement from a dispensary doctor or midwife free of charge under the provisions of the Medical Charities Acts, the maternity benefit in respect of her husband's insurance under the National Insurance Act would be payable, under the ordinary conditions, without deduction.

Mr. O'GRADY

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the widow of a man deceased, who had paid the first quarter's insurance premium fully, is entitled to maternity benefit for the birth of a posthumous child?

Mr. MASTERMAN

Maternity benefit in respect of the husband's insurance is not payable unless and until the husband has been insured twenty-six weeks and twenty-six contributions have been paid by or in respect of him. In the case mentioned if the widow were herself an employed contributor she would be entitled to sickness benefit on the usual conditions in respect of the incapacity caused by the confinement.

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