§ Mr. LEES SMITHasked whether, in the discussions as to how to secure members' control in the separate sections of life insurance companies and societies under the National Insurance Act, representatives of 'the workers' organisations in those companies and societies are being consulted?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe answer is in the negative. The Commission is in negotiation with representatives of industrial companies and collecting societies which desire to form sections or an approved society under the National Insurance Act. The sole duty of the Commissioner in this respect under the Act before giving approval is to see that the society is so constituted as to secure absolute self-government for any person who choose such sections or society for their State Insurance.
§ Mr. LEES SMITHIn view of the fact that there is a great difference of opinion between boards of management and workers as to how to secure absolute self-government, would it not be fairer to consult both sides; and if members of the workers organisation are not consulted, what is the purpose of the United Committee?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI do not quite understand what my hon. Friend means by the workers' organisation. The sole concern we have is the gentlemen who form the society on the one hand, and apply to us for approval, and the insured persons on the other. I think the workers to whom my hon. Friend refers are workers under a totally different system, that is life insurance. They only come in in connection with these societies if they are insured persons.