§ Mr. ALLEN PARKINSONasked the Minister of Health if any provision has been made to allow for the non-payment of contributions to the National Health Insurance by the miners who have been locked out; if not, is it intended that the workers in the coal industry who have missed 13 weeks' contributions in the present half-year shall be mulcted in an arrears fine of 3s. to bring them into full benefit; or will he issue instructions that members are not to be penalised by fine or reduced benefits on account of their contributions not being paid during this period of unemployment?
§ Sir A. MONDAn insured person who has missed 13 contributions in the contribution year ended 3rd July next can, in accordance with the Regulations, avoid any reduction in benefit during the next benefit year by the payment of 3s. (if desired, in instalments of 1s.) before the2366W end of next November. In view of the easy conditions of payment, and the prospect of regular employment in the mining industry during the intervening months, it is not proposed to make any special provision as suggested by the hon. Member.