§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the maternity benefit is withheld from the wife if and when a petty officer in the Royal Navy is promoted to mate; and will he consider whether, in the best interests of the Navy service, this disability on promotion can be removed?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAWhen a man is promoted to commissioned rank, he ceases to be under any obligation to contribute under the National Insurance Act, 1911. His wife is, therefore, thereafter not entitled to maternity benefit. He could, however, like other persons who have been employed contributors, continue in insurance by becoming a voluntary contributor, provided he is a member of an approved society and had insured for five or more years at the date of his promotion.