§ Mr. Willsasked the Minister of National Insurance why, prior to 6th February, full insurance contributions were not payable by registration officers in respect of persons employed on a casual basis and an industrial injuries contribution of 8d. only was demanded; why, later, this contribution was declared insufficient and the full normal contribution demanded; and whether she will give instructions in such cases to the local 194W authority to refund the difference between the employers normal contribution and the proportion paid under the Industrial Injuries Scheme.
§ Dr. SummerskillUnder the National Insurance (Classification) Regulations, 1948, casual employment for the preparation of electoral lists was treated as self-employment, since my Department were advised that registration officers cannot be said to carry on a trade or business. Representations were made to my predecessor that this kind of employment, which often lasts for several weeks at a time, should be insurable in the same way as ordinary employment. The National Insurance Advisory Committee agreed with this view and amending regulations have been in operation since 6th February last. I have no power to refund any contributions legally due under them.